After promotion back to the Premier League back in the summer of 2019, Aston Villa fans had a reason to be proud of their club once again after three years in the Championship.
The work of Dean Smith catapulted the Villans back into England’s top-flight, a place where the club undoubtedly belongs, given their incredible history in previous decades.
However, excellent recruitment and phenomenal man management from Unai Emery has taken the side way beyond any supporters’ wildest dreams, as seen by their recent European adventures.
The Spaniard has led them to three consecutive seasons in Europe, with last season’s Champions League quarter-final run handing a generation of supporters memories to last a lifetime.
It’s no doubt whet the appetite of the fans to experience such moments once again, with any January additions this window needing to help the club maintain their upward trajectory.
Aston Villa plot move for European talisman in January
Over recent days, rumours have been swirling over a potential return to Villa Park for striker Tammy Abraham, after his previous spell in the Championship in 2018/19.
It’s been reported that Emery’s side have held talks with Roma over cutting his deal short at Besiktas and permanently landing the 28-year-old, who’s scored seven times this campaign.
However, it remains to be seen if the Serie A side would agree to such a move this window, but a fee in the region of £11m has since been mooted for his signature.
He’s not the only attacking talent currently in the hierarchy’s sights this window, with Fiorentina talisman Moise Kean another player being eyed up with a switch to the West Midlands.
According to Calcio Mercato, the Villa board have begun making decisive moves to land the Italian striker, who has netted six goals across all competitions in 2025/26 to date.
The report also states that the 25-year-old has a £54m release clause in his deal with the Serie A side, but that a deal could be negotiated in the weeks ahead.
It further goes on to confirm that the player would ideally like to remain where he is beyond January, but the prospect of Villa’s ambitious project could convince him to move back to the Premier League.
Why Kean would replace Malen & be an upgrade on Abraham
Whilst most of the attention is on new additions at Villa this window, some outgoings may well be needed to help balance the books and prevent any PSR issues at the end of the season.
As a result, Dutch forward Donyell Malen is just one player who has been touted with an exit, despite moving to the West Midlands from Borussia Dortmund less than 12 months ago.
It’s been reported by various sources that Serie A side Roma are pushing to land the 26-year-old attacker, who has scored seven times in 29 appearances this campaign.
Malen, who can play centrally or out wide, could well be moved on to accommodate any new additions, with a move seemingly edging closer for the forward to depart Villa Park.
However, such a move could disappoint fans given his recent form, but it could help fund an ambitious move for Fiorentina’s Kean before the end of the winter window.
It appears as though he will be considered alongside Abraham to fill any role vacated by Malen, but it’s crucial that the hierarchy prioritise the Italian over a fairytale reunion for the Englishman.
When comparing the respective stats from the aforementioned duo, it’s evident that the Fiorentina star is a bigger talent, which could make the Villa frontline an even bigger force to be reckoned with.
Kean, who’s been dubbed “phenomenal” by Christian Vieri, has registered more shots on target so far this campaign, with a larger percentage of his efforts either going in or being saved by the ‘keeper.
Such numbers showcase his lively presence in attacking areas, subsequently handing Emery yet another fluid and explosive threat within the final third at Villa Park.
He’s also completed more of the passes he’s attempted and achieved a better dribble success rate – highlighting his all-round nature, which could see him be less dependent on teammates for chances in front of goal.
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How Kean & Abraham compare in 2025/26 |
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|---|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90) |
Kean |
Abraham |
|
Games played |
19 |
17 |
|
Goals scored |
5 |
7 |
|
Shots on target |
1.2 |
1.1 |
|
Pass accuracy |
76% |
74% |
|
Dribbles completed |
1.2 |
0.2 |
|
Touches in the 18-yard box |
6.5 |
4.5 |
|
Fouls won |
2.1 |
0.9 |
|
Aerials won |
54% |
48% |
|
Stats via FotMob |
||
However, the biggest selling point to Kean over Abraham is his poacher instincts, with the Italian registering more touches in the opposition box per 90 along with more aerials won per 90.
The 25-year-old’s stats showcase his desire to be in the right place at the right time, whether that be from a cut back, or an aerial battle – with the Fiorentina talent an incredible centre-forward option.
He’s often been a nuisance to countless backlines in Italy this campaign, as seen by his tally of 2.1 fouls won per 90 – a tally over two times that registered by Abraham.
£54m would be a mammoth investment from the Villa hierarchy this winter, but such a move could massively bolster the chances of securing Champions League football once again for 2026/27.
Losing Malen would no doubt be a bitter blow for Emery and the fanbase, but if they’re replacing him with a player of Kean’s quality, the deal should be a no-brainer.
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