Aston Villa formalise move to sign “complete” attacker wanted by Barcelona

Aston Villa have now reportedly formalised their move to sign an impressive Bundesliga attacker ahead of rival interest from Barcelona in 2026.

What Aston Villa need in January

Whilst Thursday’s 2-1 defeat against Go Ahead Eagles in the Europa League provided them with another setback, things have been looking up for Aston Villa following a disastrous start.

Having failed to win any of their first six games in all competitions, they’re now on a run of just one defeat in six which came last time out in unexpected fashion. Following a disruptive summer surrounded by the future of key men and PSR issues, Unai Emery almost has his side back to their very best at long last.

Alas, there’s still work to be done. If those in the Midlands can negotiate a way past their PSR problems, then the January transfer window represents the perfect time to make up for a frustrating summer.

Emery was forced to miss out on a number of targets and is now dealing without the squad depth that he needs to compete on all fronts, especially in his frontline.

Just like last season, that could be solved by a number of potential loan deals – one of them being for Endrick. The Real Madrid wonderkid is reportedly set to leave the Bernabeu on loan in January and Villa are among the clubs interested in his signature.

Emery benefitted from the arrival of out-of-favour stars Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford last season and may now get a repeat one year later courtesy of Real Madrid.

The teenage star may not be the only player on his way, either. Reports are now suggesting that Villa have formalised their move to sign a Barcelona target.

Aston Villa formalise Asllani move

According to reports in Spain, Aston Villa have now formalised their move to sign Fisnik Asllani from Hoffenheim. The 23-year-old forward has enjoyed an impressive season in the Bundesliga so far, attracting interest from Villa and even Barcelona as a result. Sparking an interesting race, Emery should be keen to get his man.

Since being described as a “superb complete forward” by scout Jacek Kulig last month, Asllani has taken his total to five goals in eight games in all competitions – four more than the struggling Ollie Watkins.

If Aston Villa want to secure the future of their frontline, then Asllani is their man. Beating Barcelona to his signature would also represent quite the move from a side entering 2026 off the back of a frustrating summer transfer window.

In a repeat of last season, the January arrival of an attacking star could turn Villa’s campaign around.