Brian Madjo has spent the summer giving Aston Villa reasons to reconsider just how urgently another expensive striker is required.
The 17-year-old has scored four goals during pre-season and can now play competitive football after Villa won their appeal against FIFA. Reuters confirms Madjo will be eligible for official matches this season.
Villa paid around £10million to sign him from Metz in January. That already represented a significant investment in potential, but Unai Emery can finally discover whether Madjo is ready to provide something more immediately.
Brian Madjo has taken his Aston Villa opportunity
Madjo has not needed long to make himself noticeable.
The 6ft 4in striker scored twice against Walsall in Villa’s opening pre-season friendly. ReadAstonVilla reported how Madjo struck twice during the 5-0 victory before he continued adding goals later in the summer.
His physical development is remarkable for a player who only turned 17 in January, but there is more to his game than size.
Madjo became Metz’s youngest Ligue 1 player before moving to Villa and already has senior football experience. He can occupy centre-backs physically while providing Emery with a different profile to Ollie Watkins.
Nobody should expect Madjo to replace Watkins immediately. The opportunity is to become a genuine first-team option rather than a player Villa are simply developing for several years down the line.
Aston Villa can afford to be patient in striker market
Villa have previously explored adding another established centre-forward.
Nicolas Jackson has been among the players considered this summer, although his situation has become complicated. Sky Sports has examined why Villa may ultimately avoid signing the Chelsea striker.
There is also uncertainty surrounding Tammy Abraham. ReadAstonVilla previously revealed Villa are willing to listen to suitable offers for the 28-year-old, although they are not actively trying to force him out.
Madjo’s emergence gives Villa greater freedom.
If Emery believes the teenager can provide meaningful minutes behind Watkins, the club does not have to rush into paying a premium for another striker. Money could instead be directed towards other areas of a squad which has already undergone significant changes this summer.
Equally, Madjo’s development should not be compromised by placing too much responsibility on him too soon.
Villa now have the opportunity to assess him properly in competitive football. Cup games and selected Premier League minutes could establish whether his pre-season performances can translate to a higher level.
For £10million, Villa originally bought one of Europe’s most highly rated young forwards.
His progress this summer suggests they may have bought an option for Emery sooner than expected.
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