Aston Villa’s scouts are being put to the test ahead of the January window and may have now found a player worth pursuing in PSV Eindhoven midfielder Ismael Saibari.
The Villans have struggled to score goals at the start of the campaign, and it’s fair to say that their efforts to achieve the goal need to improve, given they are one of the worst-performing teams in the Premier League table.
Yet to reach double figures on that front, at the time of writing there has been much talk about Ollie Watkins’ poor form at Aston Villa this season. The England international has only hit the target in one of 13 campaigns this campaign, failing to repeat the stellar form he showed in 2024/25.
Without a doubt, January will be a time when finding power will be a priority. Hoffenheim striker Fisnik Asllani is on the Villans’ radar and could be pursued, with Unai Emery determined to achieve even more ambitious goals than those he accomplished during his three years in the West Midlands.
He said before the Liverpool clash: “Still work to do, still goals to set and work hard to achieve those goals – collectively and myself as well, individually.
“One of them is some titles, but of course the title is only winning one. The Premier League, the English and European Cups are the target we can set to win some titles, and we are on that path.”
PSR could force Aston Villa’s hand as Liverpool prepare a move for Ezri Konsa. Even so, there will be room to recruit more to offer Emery a greater sense of power in his team’s quest for continental qualification, something he may now find in his latest goal.
Aston Villa scouts blown away by Ismael Saibari
According to TBR in conversation with Graeme Bailey, Aston Villa scouts were blown away by PSV midfielder Ismael Saibari after seeing him in action against Feyenoord last weekend, where he scored a hat-trick.
Bailey said: “Saibari attracts a lot of attention and his hat-trick last week was special. He is one to watch in January, scoring goals in January is something Premier League clubs are particularly looking for and he could deliver that.”
With ten goals and one assist this season, the engine room operator is also wanted by Leeds United, West Ham United, Everton, Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion.
Aston Villa eyes Joshua Zirkzee to fill attacking void
Versatility is a key part of his game, something that could potentially signal that multiple finishes are imminent, given Saibari can feature as a ten, in central midfield or in a back four protecting role.
Nonetheless, PSV hold the cards in the negotiations as the Moroccan international is under contract until 2029. Aston Villa may have to pay a premium to secure his services, but could now be tempted by the prospect of a January bid.
