Aston Villa’s attacking players have constantly managed to provide the goods in the final third this campaign, which could hand the fanbase a season to remember come the end of May.
Morgan Rogers has been one of the Premier League’s biggest talents in recent months, with his partnership with Ollie Watkins seeing the Villans claim key points in vital matches.
The aforementioned duo have registered 21 goal contributions between them so far this term, with such a record working out to 60% of the goals scored by Unai Emery’s side.
Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins celebrates scoring their first goal with Jacob Ramsey and Morgan Rogers
Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins celebrates scoring their first goal with Jacob Ramsey and Morgan Rogers
Emi Buendia has also popped up with key efforts in recent months, with his last-gasp strike handing the side a huge 1-0 victory over Arsenal in their hunt for a top-four finish.
However, the hierarchy evidently wanted to improve the options at the manager’s disposal during the winter window, as seen by the move to land one attacking talent.
The story behind Tammy Abraham’s fairytale return to Villa
After scoring 26 times during Villa’s promotion-winning campaign back in 2018/19, a return to the West Midlands was also going to be a popular one for Tammy Abraham.
The 28-year-old has been at countless clubs since his unforgettable campaign at Villa Park, even spending the year on loan at Turkish side Besiktas before his subsequent transfer.
Tammy Abraham
However, such a deal took longer than usual, after the Süper Lig team had to trigger his buy option from Roma, before permanently allowing him to return to the Premier League.
The hierarchy are said to have paid £18m for the forward’s signature, with his experience at the club and in such a league vital for Emery’s men in their attempts to secure Champions League football.
Abraham nearly enjoyed the perfect return at Villa Park on Sunday afternoon, finding the back of the net against Brentford, just for his effort to be ruled out after the ball was adjudged to have gone out of play earlier in the attack.
However, the new addition certainly managed to show glimpses of his quality during such a performance, with the Englishman potentially being key for the side before the end of the season.
The Villa star who could be their next Duran
Signing a new talisman hasn’t been alien to Villa in recent years, as seen by the £15m move to land Jhon Duran from MLS side Chicago Fire back in 2023.
Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran
The Colombian was an unknown quantity to many supporters, but he quickly managed to catch the eye with his explosive and remarkable cameos off the substitutes bench.
He featured 78 times for the Villans over a two-year period, subsequently finding the back of the net 20 times - including a phenomenal long-range strike in the win over Everton.
However, his stay in the West Midlands came to an end 12 months ago, after Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr agreed to pay a staggering £71m for the 22-year-old’s signature.
Such a deal saw the club land a top-level centre-forward, but also allowed them to make a huge profit - which no doubt aided their PSR standing last campaign.
jhon duran PL stats (timeless)
Despite the addition of Abraham in the recent window, the club appear to have landed the next version of Duran with a move for 17-year-old star Brian Madjo.
It was confirmed at the start of the month that Emery’s men had agreed a £10m fee with Metz for the services of the 6’6 striker, who’s undoubtedly one for the future.
Like Duran, the new addition is undoubtedly an unknown quantity to the fanbase, with the youngster having plenty of time to prove himself given his tender age.
Madjo has already made his professional debut despite his tender age, subsequently starting Metz’s opening two games of the season and becoming the club’s youngest-ever player.
Brian Madjo - Ligue 1 stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Minutes played
Shot on target accuracy
Shots taken
Aerials won
Aerial success rate
Touches in 18-yard box
Fouls won
Stats via FotMob
He’s since featured for their B-team in the 2025/26 campaign, featuring just twice, but registering as many goals, with his huge frame no doubt aiding his efforts.
Whilst he’s had limited minutes in the French outfit’s first-team this campaign, it’s not stopped him from receiving huge praise, with one analyst labelling him as “insane”.
At just 17, it remains to be seen how much senior action the Englishman will receive at Villa Park this season, but there’s no denying that the staff will be keeping one eye on his progress.
£10m for such a young and promising talent could well prove to be a bargain for the Villans in the years ahead, especially if he reaches the levels produced by Duran in the West Midlands.
jhon duran-1
However, Madjo will be hoping to write his own name into Villa’s history, which could see him become a fan-favourite and a regular starter for many years to come.
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Aston Villa have set their sights on a star who coiuld emulate Jack Grealish in the West Midlands.