Aston Villa Reach Out To Porto For Their Striking Sensation: Why They Must Intensify Their Interest

If a recent report from The Daily Mail is believed to be true, Aston Villa reached out to Porto for Samu Aghehowa. But any potential deal won’t be cheap, as the club president André Villas-Boas would only entertain an offer in the north of £55m for their striking sensation.

The 21-year-old Spanish international progressed through the academy ranks of Sevilla, Nervión and Granada before representing the latter’s reserves in the lower division. His exquisite scoring record earned him a €6m transfer to Atletico Madrid. But the Spanish giants loaned him out to fellow La Liga side Alaves for regular gametime.

While he was close to joining Chelsea last summer, the move did not materialise due to a failed medical and image rights complications. Porto secured his services a few weeks later, and the youngster proved to be an instant success in Portugal with 27 goals in 45 outings across competitions [stats via Transfermarket].

Aston Villa have not shifted their gear so far this window beyond securing three teenagers in Zépiqueno Redmond, Yasin Özcan, and Modou Kéba Cissé, along with veteran Marco Bizot to succeed their previous ‘number 2’ Robin Olsen. They were also under scrutiny amid PSR concerns; however, the management handled those issues by selling their women’s team to a related entity.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JUNE 23: Samu Aghehowa #9 of FC Porto celebrates with William Gomes #7 after scoring his team’s third goal during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group A match between FC Porto and Al Ahly SC at MetLife Stadium on June 23, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Yet they must stay cautious and keep close tabs on the balance sheet to be compliant with the Premier League’s regulations. Failing to secure a Champions League berth did not help them either, and the fear of losing Ollie Watkins has forced them to explore the available and affordable alternatives who could spearhead their attack.

Why Aston Villa Should Prioritise Aghehowa Over Openda

Watkins has emerged as a transfer target for Manchester United, who are desperate to redeem their lost glory by roping in Premier League-proven stars. Villa prefer to keep hold of their prized asset but might sanction the 29-year-old Englishman’s exit if the right offer arrives. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, available on a Bosman, has been on their wishlist. But the former Everton centre-forward would be brought in as a back-up, regardless of Watkins’ future.

Aghehowa is not the only ‘number 9’ the Lions are chasing this summer. RB Leipzig’s Lois Openda has been in talks with them for months, but the German heavyweights might block any move, with Benjamin Šeško being on Newcastle and Man United’s radar. Despite the hefty price tag, the Porto prospect would be more economical, given the current striker merry-go-round in Europe, and the Spain connection could see him flourish further under the tutelage of Unai Emery.