Aston Villa Pursue Rafael Leao Transfer Amid Watkins Uncertainty
Aston Villa have moved for AC Milan forward Rafael Leao, opening talks with the Italian club over a deal for the Portugal international as the transfer window ticks towards its September 1 deadline.
Villa are serious. Leao is open. Now it comes down to whether the two clubs can find a number that works.
The 27-year-old, who can operate through the middle or off the left, scored nine goals and supplied three assists in 29 Serie A games last season. His versatility fits exactly what Unai Emery is missing at the top of the pitch.
Villa scramble for firepower amid Watkins uncertainty
Villa’s need is urgent. The 4-0 collapse at Brighton laid it bare.
With Ollie Watkins left out of the squad, Emery was forced to improvise, using Emi Buendia and Ross Barkley as makeshift forwards. Tammy Abraham and 17-year-old Brian Madjo were both unavailable through injury. A Europa League-winning squad has been stripped down over the summer: Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa have all gone. The futures of Watkins and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez are also under threat.
The result is a team suddenly light on star power and short of options in the final third.
Watkins’ situation hangs over everything. Sky Sports News revealed Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal are in talks to sign the England striker and have already seen at least one offer rejected. He did not feature in that Brighton defeat and, when pressed afterwards, Emery pointed reporters back to the player.
“Ask him. I only can answer it by silence,” the Villa manager told Sky Sports.
Reports since have indicated Watkins returned to training on Monday and apologised to his team-mates for his absence, but the uncertainty remains. Villa cannot wait for clarity. They have to build without it.
Leao as the new Rogers – and more
Within that chaos, Leao is not just another name on a list.
In trying to replace the departed Morgan Rogers, Villa want someone who can drift, drive and damage from multiple positions. Leao fits the template. He can lead the line, drop in as a second striker or attack from the left, carrying the ball at pace and committing defenders in one-on-one situations.
His reputation in the wider game has cooled compared to the height of his Milan rise, yet the talent has not vanished. Emery has already shown what he can do with players who need a reset or a new stage. Marcus Rashford’s revival under the Spaniard at a previous point in his career is a reminder of how the right coach can relight a fading spark.
Villa can tempt Leao with Champions League football, a guaranteed spotlight in the starting XI and the chance to finally test himself in the Premier League. For Emery, he would be a headline reinforcement and a direct answer to the star-quality drain that has defined this window.
If the deal happens, it changes the complexion of Villa’s attack overnight.
‘An incredible signing’ – Begovic on Leao
Asmir Begovic, who shared a dressing room with Leao at Milan, believes the move would be a game-changer.
“This wouldn't be good news, it'd be great news for Villa fans! Rafael Leao would be an incredible signing,” the former Milan and Chelsea goalkeeper told Sky Sports.
“I have played with him. I have seen the potential, pace, power and skill.
“He will be super suited to the Premier League. His game, the talent he has and the physical attributes he has will suit the Premier League.
“At Milan, he came through the ranks and really developed. He had good senior players and had consistency. Things started to change, a lot of managers started to change.
“It hasn't helped his consistency. Everyone has played him slightly differently. Look at Unai Emery and what he has done to some of the players at Aston Villa.
“Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins, taking their careers to the next level.
“Rafael Leao, working with Emery and getting the opportunity to be the main player at Villa, it would be huge.”
Huge is exactly what Villa need right now. With the clock running down and key figures edging towards the exit, this pursuit of Leao feels less like a luxury and more like a defining moment in their season.
