Ex-Aston Villa employee: Villans set sights on Sunderland hero amid Ollie Watkins frustration
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(Credit: Imago) Aston Villa set sights on Sunderland hero Brian Brobbey amid Ollie Watkins frustration Wed 25 March 2026 8:15, UK Aston Villa are considering a move to sign Sunderland star Brian Brobbey as they assess a number of new strikers to strengthen Unai Emery’s squad.Villa have been impressed by the 24-year-old’s performances in his debut Premier League season where he has become a key player under Regis Le Bris.The Netherlands international scored a late winner in the Tyne-Wear Derby at the weekend, while his centre-forward play has impressed watching suitors.Former Aston Villa scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Brobbey is being watched by Villa alongside a number of other potential striker targets.The Sunderland star is attracting interest from a number of clubs in the Premier League and in Europe, but Emery’s side hope to sign a new striker amid ongoing concerns. 🔄 Aston Villa Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on signings, departures, and contract news from the Aston Villa boardroom. VISIT THE VILLA TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Brown previously told Football Insider that Aston Villa hope to sign a new striker amid ongoing concerns about the performances of Ollie Watkins.Tammy Abraham’s arrival during the mid-season window has added firepower to their front line and competition for Watkins, but new addititons are still being eyed.Brian BrobbeyPremier League Stats 2025-26Appearances24Minutes Played1370Goals6Goals p/g0.25Assists1Brobbey’s performances in the Premier League, where he has exhibited great hold-up play, willingness to run and goalscoring ability, have placed him on their radar.“Aston Villa are looking to sign a new striker in the summer,” Brown told Football Insider.“They’ve been frustrated with Watkins and the other options because they haven’t had that regular goalscorer, so they’re looking at a few options.“Brian Brobbey is somebody they will have been looking at, because there’s always interested in players, strikers particularly, who are making a bit of a name for themselves.“Sunderland did a fantastic job with their recruitment in the summer and it’s been a really strong season for them, and Brobbey has been very impressive.“He looks a handful to play against.
He’s strong, will back into defenders, battle them, fight them, run in behind, and he’ll score goals as well.“So for a side like Aston Villa, that sort of centre-forward is going to be somebody who takes their fancy and I’m sure they’ll be keeping a close eye on him.”Aston Villa could accept new Ollie Watkins offersAlongside Villa’s ambitions of signing a new striker, there are growing doubts about Watkins’ future after what has been a disappointing season so far.Football Insider exclusively revealed last month that Watkins could leave Aston Villa, with frustrations building around his inconsistent performances this season.Credit: ImagoSources say Villa are likely to accept a reduced fee of around £30million for the 30-year-old striker after what has been a difficult season in front of goal so far.Despite finding the net in the 2-0 win against West Ham, he has scored just 10 goals in 43 appearances across all competitions so far this season, leading to concerns.As a result, there is a growing feeling Villa could be prepared to see him leave for the right price as it would allow them to reinvest the money elsewhere. 🦁 ASTON VILLA INSIDER UPDATE 🦁 Get the inside track on the Villa Park dugout, transfer strategy, player wages, and technical leadership at Bodymoor Heath. Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from Villa Park.