Aston Villa are keen on signing a “spectacular” Champions League striker, who is now considering working under Unai Emery.
Villa want to sign new striker amid Watkins' struggles
Ollie Watkins has fallen below his usual lofty standards so far this season, with the striker finding the back of the net just once in eight Premier League matches, and he could find it difficult to reclaim his spot in the starting XI.
Emery may choose to persist with Donyell Malen at centre-forward, given that the Dutchman has impressed in recent weeks, scoring a brace in the 2-1 victory against Burnley at the beginning of the month.
Watkins was benched for the 2-1 win against Tottenham Hotspur due to fitness concerns, but the Englishman did manage to impress on international duty, scoring in the Three Lions’ 3-0 victory against Wales.
Emery will be hoping that goal will be a real confidence-booster for the 29-year-old, but it has now emerged that the Villans are looking to sign a new striker, who could push for Watkins’ starting spot.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Aston Villa are now keen on signing Real Madrid striker Endrick, and there are signs the Brazilian could be tempted by the move, with it being revealed that he is considering working under Emery.
There is widespread interest in the Real Madrid centre-forward from within the Premier League, however, meaning there could be fierce competition for his signature, with Manchester United, Brighton & Hove Albion, Newcastle United and West Ham United also in the race.
Not only that, but it could take a huge bid to get a deal over the line, given that the 19-year-old joined the Spanish side for around £53m, in a deal that eventually went through in 2024.
"Spectacular" Endrick could flourish at Villa Park
The 14-time Brazil international has found it very difficult to break into the Real Madrid team this season, failing to play a single minute of football in all competitions, despite emerging as a first-team player last season.
During the 2024-25 campaign, the youngster was used sporadically by Carlo Ancelotti, but he achieved some important milestones, scoring his first goals in both La Liga and the Champions League.
Ancelotti is a keen admirer of the former Palmeiras man, having once lauded him as “spectacular”, but the starlet clearly needs first-team football if he is going to fulfill his potential, so a move, at least on a loan deal, would make sense.
With Watkins reportedly frustrated with Emery, the manager may also need to start thinking about long-term replacements, and Endrick has the ability to flourish at Villa Park.
