Ollie Watkins remains a modern club legend, his 2025/26 season has been defined by a rare lack of clinical edge, netting just nine Premier League goals as of late March.
With the striker now 30 years old and Unai Emery reportedly eager to “evolve” his frontline for a sustained Champions League push, the identity of Villa’s next No. 9 is the primary talking point heading into the summer.
Since Ollie Watkins arrived at Aston Villa in 2020, the Englishman has become one of the best strikers in the Premier League.
However, his form this season has dipped dramatically, and his goals have dried up. This summer could be the time when Unai Emery considers a change of guard up front.
Just three goals away from a century at B6, Watkins has established himself as one of Villa’s greatest ever strikers. His work rate, ability to hold up play and his eye for goal have been nothing short of incredible in previous seasons.
In this campaign, things seem to have changed. His confidence has fallen, and he looks like a complete ghost of his former self in front of goal.
At 30, he is entering the latter stages of his career, and Villa are running out of time to receive a good fee for him. They cannot afford for goals to constantly dry up if they want to reach the next level, so replacing Watkins may be a good idea this summer.
Here are four potential replacements identified by our Read AstonVilla writer that could lead the line next season:
1. Nicolas Jackson – Chelsea
There doesn’t seem to be a transfer window that goes by when Villa are not linked with a move for Nicolas Jackson. Having previously worked with Emery at Villarreal, the Senegalese international is well known to the Villa manager.
Before his move to Chelsea in July 2023, the 24-year-old wanted to join Villa, but was unable to due to injury.
Last summer, Jackson joined Bayern Munich on a season-long loan, which includes an obligation to buy if he starts 40 games. Emery was reportedly interested in making a move for him, but Chelsea’s evaluation was too much for Villa.
As the clause seems unlikely to be triggered, given that he has been playing backup to Harry Kane, another move away from Stamford Bridge seems probable.
The Spaniard’s system would be well-suited to him, which would allow his transition into the Villa team to be seamless. A reunion between Jackson and Emery this summer could finally be on the cards.
2. Igor Thiago – Brentford
Igor Thiago has been a revelation for Brentford this season, scoring 19 goals in the Premier League, ranking second behind Erling Haaland. Like Jackson, Thiago has been rumoured with a move to Villa Park since the end of last year.
Whilst a more traditional number 9 than Watkins, the Brazilian would certainly offer a more ruthless edge to Villa’s attack.
| Metric | Igor Thiago | Ollie Watkins |
| Appearances | 31 | 30 |
| Goals | 19 | 9 |
| Assists | 1 | 1 |
| Minutes Played | 2,659 | 2,309 |
| Shots on Target | 36 | 26 |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 16.8 | 10.3 |
| Shot Accuracy (%) | 65.5% | 57.9% |
The downside to a potential deal is the price tag. The Bees are said to be asking for £50 million. Furthermore, the prospect of playing in a European competition next season may drive the price up even more, which may put Villa off from making an offer.
At 24, Thiago still has a lot of football ahead of him, and if Emery could exploit his maximum potential, then he could be a consistent goal-scorer in the league for years to come.
3. Marcus Thuram – Inter Milan
As previously reported by our Read Aston Villa team, Marcus Thuram is a potential candidate for Villa this summer. He brings a wealth of experience, having played at an elite level for the last few seasons. A consistent performer and French international, Thuram is at the standard Villa needs to compete at the top of the Premier League and Europe.
If Unai Emery wants a striker for the here and now, then the 28-year-old is his man. A move to England appeals to him, but an €85 million (£73.5 million) release clause in his contract is rather steep. Other clubs are also interested in Thuram, so if Emery thinks he is the right fit, the Villa will have to move quickly.
4. Omar Marmoush – Manchester City
Omar Marmoush would be a statement signing for Villa. His lack of starts at Manchester City may also make him open to leaving. The 27-year-old hit the ground running at the Ethiad, scoring a hat-trick within the first month of joining.
Known for his pace and direct play with the ball, Marmoush would suit Villa’s system very well. He’s versatile and a diligent worker out of possession, which are the characteristics Emery loves.
The opportunity to lead the front at Villa and the chance to continue playing at the elite level may be what Marmoush needs to revitalise his career. It won’t be cheap, and his wages would need to be reduced, but this signing would be exactly what Villa need to take them to the next stage of their development.
The potential sale of Ollie Watkins would mark the end of a joyous era at Villa. Joining when they were flirting with relegation to now have led the line in a Champions League campaign, Watkins would be remembered as an all-time great.
Villa’s eyes will be firmly on the future, and evaluating what positions can be improved to enable them to be a force to be reckoned with for seasons to come will be on their mind. Whilst it may be sad for supporters to see a long-serving player leave, the evolution of the squad is crucial to maintain continued club growth.
