Aston Villa have been eyeing a move to sign a World Cup star who is currently playing in the Saudi Pro League.
Aston Villa’s transfer plans might include another target competing outside Europe. This time, it is the winger from Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah who also shone at the World Cup, Julian Quinones. The Mexico international has been impressive at the World Cup despite failing to help his nation advance to the quarter-finals.
Journalist Sacha Tavolieri confirmed Villa’s interest, as reported by Sky Sport Switzerland.
“Aston Villa’s management, through their scouts present at the tournament, took advantage of the competition to closely observe the striker. Convinced by his level of performance, the English club made inquiries with the player’s entourage to assess the feasibility of a potential transfer.”
The Colombia-born winger is currently under contract with Al Qadsiah until 2029. He joined them in 2024 from Liga MX side Club América. He is valued at around £12 million, but his asking price could be higher than that, especially if his club opts to sell him this summer.
Quinones has been a key player for the club and is not expected to move elsewhere. However, that could change if Villa come forward with the right offer. Previously, there were reports suggesting Chelsea were keen on signing him. However, those reports were denied by renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The Lions need to make a move immediately, considering the potential competition for his signature. His asking price might not be as high as that of Villa’s other targets, and the former Atlas man would surely not pass up the opportunity to play in the Premier League and the Champions League. The other clubs which fancy his signature are Genoa and Atletico Madrid.
The 29-year-old winger is a prolific goalscorer. He has scored 62 goals and provided 12 assists in 68 games in all competitions. In 2025, he played a key role as his team reached the King’s Cup final before losing to Al Ittihad. Quinones also finished as the tournament’s top scorer. Last season, he was named the club’s Player of the Season after helping Al Qadsiah finish fourth.
At the World Cup, the winger, who can also operate as a centre-forward, scored four goals and provided one assist in five appearances. One of his goals came against England.
Based on the data from FotMob during the World Cup, Quinones recorded an xG of 1.61 and an xA of 0.40. His passing statistics were outstanding, with an 82.2% pass completion rate, 100% accurate long balls and a 75% cross accuracy rate. His ball retention was also impressive, with a 66.7% dribble success rate, a 44.7% duel success rate and a 57.1% aerial duel success rate. He also made a solid defensive contribution, registering seven defensive actions, including four tackles and three clearances.
It is interesting to see if Unai Emery’s side would sanction the move for the Mexican international. His price might be affordable but he is already 29 years old and might only play when he rotate the squad as his main position is a striker. Yet, his pace when making a run deep into the six yard box from the left flank would be useful as Emiliano Buendia‘s deputy too.
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