Villa eyeing Porto's Aghehowa as Rashford deal looks dead in the water

By Lewis Barnett 3 May, 2025 5 mins read 229 Views

God. Transfer season never fails to make me feel like I'm watching a soap opera with a £50 million price tag attached. And Villa are at it again!

I was chatting with my mate who works security at Villa Park last weekend (poor Dave, still recovering from that semi-final hangover), and he swore blind something big was brewing. Turns out he wasn't just talking nonsense after his sixth pint.

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The Portuguese Connection

Villa sent one of their scouts to Portugal on Friday night - specifically to watch Porto's Samu Aghehowa tear Moreirense apart in a 3-1 win. The lad bagged himself two goals - a cool penalty and teh kind of near-post finish that makes strikers' coaches weep with joy. That takes his tally to 24 for the season. Not too shabby for a 20-year-old who most Premier League fans probably couldn't pick out of a lineup.

Remember when he was Samu Omorodion? No? Well, he switched to his maternal surname Aghehowa back in November to honor his mum. Quite touching, that.

Chelsea's Leftovers... Again?

This isn't the first time Aghehowa's been linked with a Premier League move. Chelsea nearly had him signed last summer for around £35m before the deal collapsed faster than my fantasy league predictions.

Porto swooped in like vultures, paying just £12.5m for 50% ownership. Bargain of the century, if you ask me.

Why is Emery looking elsewhere?

Let's be real about this Rashford situation.

Villa have him on loan right now, but making that permanent? You're looking at his £40m release clause PLUS wages that would make your eyes water. We're talking north of £100m all-in for a three-year deal. In 2018, that might have seemed reasonable for a player of his caliber. Now? I'm not so convinced.

The hamstring injury he picked up in training last week hasn't helped his case either. He's likely done for the season, and ironically, even if he recovers in time, he can't play against his parent club on May 25th at Old Trafford.

Watkins turns 30 in December... (and I feel ancient typing that since I swear he was just a promising youngster like five minutes ago).

The €€€ Question

Atletico Madrid are rubbing their hands together at the prospect of cashing in on their half-share of Aghehowa. His value has basically doubled during his short Portuguese adventure, and offers exceeding £50m seem likely to tempt Porto.

I spoke with a contact at Atletico last week who just laughed when I mentioned £40m. "Add another twenty," was all he said before changing the subject.

Is this actually smart business?

While Villa would need to fork out more upfront for Aghehowa than they would for Rashford's release clause, they could spread the cost over a longer contract. And let's not forget - a 20-year-old striker with his scoring record would have serious resale value if things work out.

Unlike Rashford, who's approaching what should be his peak years (though you wouldn't know it from some of his performances this season... sorry Marcus).

Porto won't make Champions League next season - the gap to the top two is insurmountable - which might make them more willing to negotiate.

Listen. Transfer rumors are like promises from politicians. Take them with enough salt to give your doctor a heart attack. But this one? It's got legs. Adn Villa fans should be excited about the possibility of seeing this Spanish U-21 international leading their line next season.

I'll be watching this one closely. Very closely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the essential pieces of equipment needed for playing football?

The basic football equipment includes the following: a jersey or t-shirt, shorts (or shin guards), stockings, football boots or cleats. Goalkeepers typically require additional gear such as specialized gloves and sometimes padded clothing to protect them during dives and jumps. In order to be safe and adhere to the rules of the game, players must wear the appropriate clothing.

How do I know if my football boots fit properly?

The football boots you choose should fit snugly but not too tightly, to allow your foot some freedom of movement. It is important to leave a small space between the toes on the boot's front and your thumb to avoid the toes being squeezed in during running or kicking. It's also imperative to consider the width of your feet and select a boot style that accommodates narrow or wide foot shapes. Always try on boots with football socks and lace them up fully to assess the fit accurately.

How do you choose the right football boot for your playing surface?

You should choose the correct football boots depending on the type and surface of the pitch you will be playing. Metal studs are recommended for natural grass pitches (FG, firm ground), as they offer traction and stability. Boots with small rubber studs or flat soles are better for artificial turf. Indoor courts (IN), require rubber soles that do not mark the surface.

What kind of goalkeeper gloves provides the best grip and protection?

Goalkeeper gloves that have a latex-coated palm provide the best grip for different playing conditions. The latex density and thickness can be varied to balance grip with durability. Moreover, gloves with finger protection systems - including spines or stiffening materials - can prevent hyperextension injuries to the fingers. A good pair of gloves should also be comfortable and fit well to enable the goalkeeper to perform at their best.

What equipment is allowed in competitive football?

To ensure the safety of players and integrity of games, many competitive football matches have specific equipment rules. The rules of the game specify standard equipment, such as jerseys and shorts with sleeves. They also stipulate socks that cover shinguards, and footwear. It is against the law to wear or use equipment that poses a risk to a player's safety or an opponent's. To avoid penalties and disqualification, it's important that players adhere to these rules, which vary depending on the league or age group.

Statistics

Studies show that the proper use of shin guards can reduce the risk of injuries in football players by up to 70%.
Globally, the demand for lightweight football cleats has risen by about 30% in the past decade, reflecting changes in player preferences and playing styles.
Research has indicated that around 60% of football-related ankle injuries could be mitigated with the correct choice of footwear.
Approximately 40% of amateur football players wear boots that are not properly fitted, increasing the risk of foot injuries.
Data shows that thermo-bonded footballs, known for their consistent performance, are preferred by 65% of professional football clubs for matches.

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How To

How to determine the right size and fit for your football Cleats

Finding football cleats that fit well is essential for ensuring comfort and maximizing performance. If you are wearing the correct size cleat, there should be about a finger's width between your longest toes and the cleat. The cleats must fit snugly at the midfoot. There should be little or no movement of the heel. The upper part should feel snug, but flexible enough to allow for natural foot movement. For a perfect fit, try on cleats and socks that will be worn in matches.