Their new Coutinho: Aston Villa make contact for "mind-boggling" £40m talent
Aston Villa’s transfer activity this summer has been a careful balancing act, reflecting both ambition and necessity.
After losing academy graduate Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle and contending with persistent Premier League profit and sustainability regulations (PSR), Unai Emery’s side have sought reinforcement across multiple positions.
The Midlands outfit have already added Evann Guessand from Nice, but there remains a pressing need to bolster creativity and experience in midfield, particularly in the event of Morgan Rogers’ departure.
The club’s early campaign has been patchy, with a draw against Newcastle followed by a 1-0 defeat away at Brentford.
Despite summer interest from Newcastle and Manchester United, Ollie Watkins continues to lead the line.
However, there is a growing recognition that midfield reinforcement is required to support their talismanic striker, which in turn will unlock the team’s full attacking potential.
Previously, Aston Villa have gambled on other technically gifted Brazilian midfielders, exemplified by Philippe Coutinho’s arrival after struggling for form at Barcelona.
Now, another South American talent is emerging on the radar, with the potential to recapture that same blend of flair and influence.
Villa enquire about potential Rogers replacement
According to journalist Santi Aouna, Aston Villa have opened discussions with West Ham regarding the possibility of signing Lucas Paquetá.
The 27-year-old Brazilian, who has amassed 55 caps and 11 goals for his national side, is considered one of several midfield options should Villa need to replace Morgan Rogers before the close of the transfer window.
West Ham are understood to be holding out for a fee in the region of £60m, with initial inquiries suggesting Villa would need to meet a minimum valuation of £40m before talks could commence.
Paquetá has undoubtedly experienced a turbulent period at the London Stadium, having faced betting allegations in August 2023.
Although he was cleared of all charges in 2025, the episode is reported to have affected him profoundly.
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Nevertheless, he continues to be highly rated.
Former West Ham player Declan Rice praised the attacking midfielder’s abilities, describing him as “mind-boggling” in terms of quality and vision.
Clubs including Crystal Palace, Manchester City, and Tottenham have reportedly monitored the player, though news of Spurs’ recent acquisition of RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons will reduce the likelihood of any continued interest.
For Villa, Paquetá represents a chance to combine proven Premier League experience with the technical finesse necessary to complement both new arrivals and established stars such as Watkins.
Why Paquetá could be Villa’s next Coutinho
Tactically, Paquetá offers Aston Villa a multifaceted solution.
Primarily an attacking midfielder, the Brazilian excels in creating and progressing offensive sequences, with metrics that underline his all-around capability.
According to FBref, last season, he ranked in the 74th percentile for shot-creating actions per 90 minutes (2.89) and the 79th percentile for progressive passes (6.16), demonstrating his ability to influence both goal-scoring opportunities and build-up play.
Additionally, he boasts the 84th percentile for touches in the opposition penalty area and the 75th percentile for tackles per 90, illustrating a willingness to contribute defensively – a balance Emery prizes in transitional play.
His aerial ability is also notable, with the 89th percentile for aerial duels won per 90, making him a threat in both open play and set-piece scenarios.
The comparison with Coutinho is plain to see.
Before arriving at Villa Park, the Brazilian struggled to live up to his colossal pricetag at Barcelona before briefly flourishing on loan at Bayern Munich.
When at his best, Coutinho combined exceptional vision, dribbling, long-range shooting, and set-piece delivery, ultimately making him a dangerous attacking asset.
Paquetá, arriving at a stage in his career where his technical maturity and Premier League familiarity intersect, could offer a more immediate and sustained impact than his predecessor.
From a squad composition perspective, Paquetá could integrate seamlessly with Villa’s existing framework.
He would complement Watkins in attack, add creativity in the final third, and relieve pressure on newly-signed Guessand, allowing Emery greater flexibility in rotation and tactical setups.
The midfielder’s proficiency in linking play and breaking lines would enhance Villa’s transitional play, which has been a key focus under Emery’s management.
If the deal progresses, it would also signify Villa’s commitment to international-level talent capable of impacting the Premier League immediately.
After losing Ramsey, and with ongoing interest in Rogers from external clubs, adding a player of Paquetá’s calibre would send a clear message regarding the club’s ambitions.
Aston Villa are prepared to invest in both technical skill and experience to remain competitive domestically and in this year’s edition of the Europa League.
Ultimately, a successful move for Paquetá could mirror the allure of Coutinho’s signing while avoiding the pitfalls that hindered his predecessor.
Villa would acquire a player with vision, creativity, and finishing ability, tempered by Premier League experience and tactical maturity – qualities capable of elevating both the midfield and the team’s overall attacking profile.
For supporters, it represents an opportunity to witness Brazilian flair integrated into a system designed for consistency and results, potentially bridging the gap between raw talent and polished Premier League performance.
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