Aston Villa, Unai Emery
(Credit: Imago)
Villa News Speaking to Bryan King
Fri 21 March 2025 16:10, UK
Aston Villa have had a busy couple of transfer windows when it comes to forward players, as another striker is now linked with a move to the West Midlands.
Ollie Watkins is Unai Emery’s number-one choice up front, with Aston Villa backed to offer a new contract to the 29-year-old.
Jhon Duran was the man competing with Watkins earlier in the season before the 21-year-old’s mega-money move to Saudi Arabia which Aston Villa could yet profit from further.
And then there is Marcus Rashford, who is currently on loan at Villa Park from Manchester United. However, it looks as though Emery isn’t quite satisfied with his forward options just yet, as the club now lead the way to sign a brand-new striker.
Ollie Watkins
Watkins is the starting striker at Aston Villa (Credit: Imago)
Aston Villa chase Charalampos Kostoulas
As previously reported by Birmingham World (11 February), Villa want to sign Charalampos Kostoulas and Christos Mouzakitis, both of Olympiacos.
In an update via CaughtOffside (19 March), it has been reported that Emery’s side are leading the race for the latter. Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham and Nottingham Forest are also keeping an eye on Kostoulas, who would cost £25million.
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However, ex-Villa scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Villa News – isn’t a fan of the 17-year-old.
“I’ve watched him this season and he hasn’t impressed me that much,” King said.
Olympiacos 2024/25 Appearances Goals Assists
Charalampos Kostoulas 35 11 2
Kostoulas’ stats for Olympiacos this season
“I wouldn’t pay £25m for him. Let Villa lead the way for him, but he hasn’t impressed me at all. How much young talent do you want from abroad? Does that young talent curtail your own talent? Premier League clubs keep going out and buying all these talented players from Europe, what about the talented players here in England?
“Why have we stopped developing those players? If Villa are going to spend that amount of money, that is a lot of money that could be put toward the academy. They should be looking to play youth tournaments all around the world if they want to improve their own players.”
Aston Villa
Aston Villa boss Emery (Credit: Imago)
Aston Villa would take a risk by signing Kostoulas
Paying £25m for a 17-year-old is certainly a risk.
While he is displaying potential in Greece, moving to the Premier League as a teenager in a big-money move is certainly daunting.
Therefore, there is no guarantee that he would hit the ground running, and this is a transfer which could come back to bite Villa.
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