Aston Villa Might Want To Sign 25-Year-Old Belgian Centre-Forward: Will He Be A Good Bet? | OneFootball

Aston Villa have caught everyone’s attention with their performances in the Premier League over the past two seasons. The club have gained momentum since Unai Emery’s arrival. Making it to the Champions League was no small feat, and now they will also be playing in the Europa League in the 2025/26 season. Expectations are high at Villa Park, and the question is, will this team be able to stay at the top?

Emery knows that the current squad will not go a long way in the Europa League. There is a need for depth, especially in attack. Ollie Watkins has been the club’s most reliable striker so far, but there are talks about his future. Big teams in the Premier League are trying to woo him. Aston Villa are showing that they want to keep Watkins, but internally, they are also working on Plan B.

Aston Villa are interested in Lois Openda

LEIPZIG, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 23: Lois Openda of RB Leipzig reacts during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 at Red Bull Arena on February 23, 2025 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Luciano Lima/Getty Images)

Reliable Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri has reported that Aston Villa are interested in Lois Openda. The 25-year-old RB Leipzig striker has been on Villa’s radar for the past few months. Talks are ongoing with both Leipzig and the Belgian striker. According to the report, there is also mutual interest between the two parties, but there is a condition before buying – Aston Villa will have to sell Watkins or else there will be a risk of falling into the wrath of the Profit and Sustainability Rules.

Openda has the pace and edge that can trouble Premier League defenders. He makes quick decisions inside the box, is a master of running into spaces and has scored 24 goals in the Bundesliga in his first season at Leipzig in 2023/24. The Belgian’s footwork is sharp, and he has shown consistency in finishing. Aston Villa are looking for a striker who can fit into Emery’s direct style of attacking.

Can Lois Openda be the perfect deal for Aston Villa?

The answer is yes—with one caveat. If Ollie Watkins leaves, Openda could be the perfect replacement. They both have different styles of attacking, but Openda could adjust better to Villa’s positional rotation and direct approach. He exploits space behind the backline and is a similar striker to Emery’s plans.

However, there is a risk. The physicality and pace of the Premier League could be new to Openda. There is a difference between the Bundesliga and the Premier League, and leaving RB Leipzig will not be easy. Villa will have to make a big offer, and FFP could crack down if Watkins doesn’t leave.

Still, if the deal is done in time, Aston Villa will get a young, hungry and effective forward. In the Europa League, a player who can shoulder the scoring load will be essential. Openda could be that kind of player—if Villa take a risk at the right time.