Aston Villa have been approaching a new target from the Bundesliga side following their struggle to snatch prime targets.
Aston Villa have been hunting for the new frontman following Ollie Watkin’s doubtful future, especially after his unexpected absence in the Premier League opener. They have made a move for a number of notable names from Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, Crystal Palace’s frontman, Jean Phillipe Mateta, and AC Milan man, Rafael Leao. Unfortunately, none have come to Villa’s agreement yet.
Thus, Unai Emery’s side is now turning to young talent from Bundesliga, as reported by The Athletic via Birmingham mail.
“Bayer Leverkusen’s Christian Kofane is the latest striker to have been identified by Aston Villa as a potential Ollie Watkins replacement.”
Kofane joined Leverkusen last summer from Albacete, Spanish’s Segunda Division side. He signed a four-year contract till 2029. Villa was already interested in signing him last season as he helped his team finish in the mid table with eight goals and one assist in 20 games.
Now, Villa are making another inquiry for the Cameroon international forward. De Werkself instantly snubs the West Midlands’ interest as they have no plan to sell him. Even if they are willing to release him, Villa would have to spend a lot for the unproven youngster for the Premier League, potentially reaching up to £ 70 million.
The 20-year old frontman appears to be a good option on the paper. In his season debut at the top flight, he managed to net eight goals and provide nine assists in 45 games.
In German top flight, Kofane displayed fine form when he scored the only goal of the game while thumping Hamburg 1-0 on the road, and contributed one goal and one assist in the following game when Leverkusen was held in a 3-3 draw against SC Freiburg.
In the Champions League, he helped his team salvage a point after scoring one when they played host to PSV Eindhoven as the game ended in a 1-1 draw. Kofane also provided one assist when Leverkusen humiliated Manchester City on the road in a 2-0 victory.
Based on the data in FotMob, his performance in Bundesliga was stunning with xG 6.80 while his xA was 1.11. His successful passes was 82.8 %, whereas his successful dribbles was 58.3 %. His winning duel rate was 42.8 %. Kofane’s tendency to press the opposition side can be an advantage. He made 33 defensive contributions, which includes 13 tackles, two interceptions and 17 clearance, an impressive one for a striker.
Kofane seems to be a perfect replacement for the 30-year old England international for a long term. Yet, with potential asking price from his club and his lack of experience in the Premier League, Villa should reconsider their plan. He has just made his debut in Germany and his consistency has not yet proven, especially in the Premier League with higher intensity in each game. Villa might be slightly gambling if they choose to sign him too soon.
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