Report: Aston Villa considering move to sign Newcastle United star

Aston Villa turn attention to William Osula after Gonzalo Garcia setback

Aston Villa’s search for attacking depth has taken a familiar January turn, pragmatic rather than glamorous, after hopes of landing Gonzalo Garcia were effectively extinguished. As reported by TalkSport, Villa have been told that the Real Madrid striker, fresh from a headline making hat-trick, is unlikely to be prised away, prompting renewed focus on William Osula.

The shift is telling. Villa’s recruitment strategy under Unai Emery has increasingly blended ambition with accessibility, and Osula fits that bracket far more neatly than a £26 million move for a Madrid academy graduate whose stock is rising by the week.

Photo IMAGO

Gonzalo Garcia rise closes Villa door

Garcia’s perfect start to the year has reshaped the conversation. A first senior hat-trick in a 5-1 demolition of Real Betis was not merely eye-catching, it was historically significant. The 21 year old joined Ruud van Nistelrooy as only the second Real Madrid player this century to score a LaLiga hat-trick with his first league goals.

“This is Real Madrid, the competition is maximum here and I know that I am Mbappe’s natural substitute,” Garcia said. “But the coach and all my teammates always give me the confidence to do my best.”

Photo: IMAGO

Those words, combined with circumstance, have hardened Madrid’s stance. Kylian Mbappe’s knee injury offered Garcia a rare start, and he seized it. European football expert Andy Brassell explained to talkSPORT.com, “Garcia, who’s just emerged at the right time, is really assured. For him to step up at a moment when the team desperately needed him… it’s a massive contribution for him. I can totally understand why Aston Villa would be interested in him.”

Interest, however, does not equal availability. Brassell later added, “But it won’t be Gonzalo Garcia. I find it really hard to imagine Real Madrid letting Gonzalo Garcia go at all, let alone in this window.”

Osula profile fits January logic

With that avenue closed, TalkSport understand Villa are now showing interest in Osula. The Newcastle United forward has admirers across Europe, including clubs in Germany, and there is a sense Newcastle could be tempted to cash in.

From Villa’s perspective, the appeal is layered. Osula offers physical presence, development upside and a transfer structure that aligns with January realities. He would not arrive with the weight of instant stardom but with the potential to grow into a useful contributor across competitions.

Photo IMAGO

Brassell framed Villa’s broader thinking clearly. “Clearly, when you look at Villa trying to push forward in all competitions, they may be looking for that [Marcus] Rashford or [Marco] Asensio figure that they got in last January.”

Osula is a different profile, but not an illogical one. Where Garcia represents immediacy and narrative, Osula represents depth and projection, qualities often undervalued but essential across a congested calendar.

Strategic context under Emery

Villa’s season has demanded adaptability. Competing domestically and in Europe has stretched resources, and Emery has repeatedly spoken about the need for solutions rather than statements. Osula would arrive without the glare of a Bernabeu spotlight, but with the chance to develop in a structured environment.

Newcastle’s openness to a sale suggests the deal could progress quickly if Villa formalise interest. In January, speed and clarity often matter more than romance.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Villa supporters, this report will feel realistic rather than disappointing. Of course, the idea of signing a Real Madrid striker fresh off a hat-trick sparks excitement, but most fans understand January windows are about reinforcement, not fantasy.

Osula makes sense. Villa fans have seen what smart depth can do, especially last season when timely additions helped sustain momentum. There is also trust in Emery’s judgement. Supporters believe that if the club are pivoting to Osula, it is because the manager sees a specific role for him, whether as rotation, late game presence or longer term project.

There will be some concern about letting rivals strengthen while Villa opt for potential over profile, but patience runs deeper now. Fans have bought into the process. If Osula arrives hungry and given clear instruction, Villa Park will back him. This feels like a move shaped by strategy rather than impulse, and after years of short term thinking, that carries its own reassurance.