Aston Villa Lead The Race To Sign This 29-Year-Old Midfielder: Why Will He Be A Good Signing?

Aston Villa lead the chase to sign Julian Brandt, as journalist Fraser Fletcher has reported that the Borussia Dortmund midfielder stands out as a priority target for the West Midlands side.

The 48-cap German international has drawn interest from several clubs across Europe, but Villa seem to be ahead right now. Unai Emery wants a creative midfielder who can unlock defences, and Brandt’s versatility makes him a strong fit for that role.

Aston Villa want to sign Julian Brandt

The Dortmund star has been one of the most reliable players in the Bundesliga. He moves smartly between the lines, creates openings, and chips in with goals from midfield.

He adds calmness and control when on the ball, qualities Villa have often lacked in the attacking areas. Villa are building on a solid domestic season and are aiming to make their mark in Europe, so signing Brandt would make a real statement about their ambition.

Brandt might find a move to England tempting, as he likely views the Premier League as the natural next step in his career. He wants to test himself against tougher competition, and that desire might push him to take the opportunity. Villa present a project that should match the German midfielder’s goals, combining a hunger to win with consistent progress under Emery’s guidance. Villa have also agreed a new deal with Morgan Rogers.

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Should the Lions make a move?

Aston Villa news
DORTMUND, GERMANY – OCTOBER 25: Julian Brandt of Borussia Dortmund runs with the ball during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and 1. FC Köln at Signal Iduna Park on October 25, 2025 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

Brandt is exactly the sort of player Aston Villa have needed; one with flair, balance, and vision in the final third. His ability to shift between central and wide roles will provide Unai Emery with tactical flexibility, which could make all the difference in the second half of the season.

Brandt reads the game with rare sharpness, and his quick passing will connect well with Ollie Watkins’ movement and Morgan Rogers’ bursts from the flank.

Villa should move quickly to bring him in rather than wait for a free transfer in 2026. A January deal, even with a modest fee, will give Brandt time to adapt before the season’s key stretch. He would use his experience from Borussia Dortmund and the German national team to help Villa stay calm in tight matches. If Villa sign the 29-year-old early, that move might just give Emery’s side the push they need to reach the Champions League spots.