Aston Villa Leading The Race For This Dutch Sensation: Why Villa Must Make The Move | OneFootball

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has shared an update on Zépiqueno Redmond’s future in one of his recent posts. Clubs in the UK and Italy are keeping close tabs on the Feyenoord forward. But Aston Villa, a resurgent Premier League force under Unai Emery, are leading the race ahead of a potential summer transfer.

The 18-year-old Dutch youth international spent his youth years with Alexandria ’66, CVV Zwervers and ADO Den Haag before joining Feyenoord’s esteemed academy setup. He made significant strides in recent years and, therefore, has been integrated into the first team since November. Redmond has finished the season with nine senior appearances in all competitions.

While the teenage sensation has yet to net his first league goal, a brace against the Eerste Divisie outfit MVV Maastricht in the KNVB Cup depicts his poaching traits as a centre-forward. Predominantly a ‘number 9’, Redmond could also slot in down the wide, thus offering flexibility across the frontline.

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 18: Strahinja Pavlovic of AC Milan is challenged by Zepiqueno Redmond of Feyenoord during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off second leg match between AC Milan and Feyenoord at San Siro Stadium on February 18, 2025, in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Aston Villa enjoyed a Champions League quarterfinal run, but were eventually knocked out by Paris Saint-Germain, regardless of a lion-hearted effort. They are currently missing out on a ‘top five’ Premier League finish on goal difference; however, things could change on Sunday afternoon with Manchester City, Newcastle United, Chelsea, Villa and Nottingham Forest all hunting for three available Champions League spots for the 2025-26 season.

Why It Is A Smart Move From Aston Villa

But a deal for Redmond should not rely on their European status. Despite Feyenoord’s attempts to retain his services beyond June, the youngster is available on a Bosman from July onwards. He has not penned a new deal at De Kuip, and the Villans are keen to grab the opportunity, given his potential and promises.

Emery was blessed to have Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran challenging each other high up the pitch. But the latter completed a sensational £71m move to Al Nassr late in the winter window. Villa are now left with Watkins as the only outright striking option, as they rejected Arsenal’s bid for the Three Lions ace around the same time. The club brought in Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio and Donyell Malen to bolster them in attack. None of them, though, offers the cutting edge and marksmanship of Watkins or Duran.

Redmond won’t be a first-team regular instantly, but should grab some minutes as Watkins’ understudy. The Englishman will be in his 30s next season, and the club should explore the market to find his long-term successor in due time. The next couple of campaigns would be crucial for the Dutch prodigy, who must sharpen his skillset under Emery and impress in limited gametime to make his presence known in English football.