---
title: "Aston Villa tracking 18-year-old African “gem” who’s already played for his country"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/aston-villa-tracking-18-year-old-african-gem-rodolfo-aloko/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Barnaby Lane"
section: "Aston Villa"
published: "2025-07-10T18:23:27Z"
modified: "2025-07-10T18:26:29Z"
---

# Aston Villa tracking 18-year-old African “gem” who’s already played for his country

By most standards, it’s been a quiet summer at Villa Park.

Over a month into the transfer window, Unai Emery’s side have made just one signing: 19-year-old Yasin Özcan from Turkish club Kasimpasa — a deal agreed way back in January.

While Özcan is a promising left-back for the future, his arrival hasn’t exactly moved the needle.

With [Aston Villa](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/aston-villa-transfer-rumours/)set for another European campaign — this time in the UEFA Europa League rather than the Champions League — fans are expecting more reinforcements to help cope with the added demands of a packed schedule.

And while marquee signings may yet come, it seems the club is continuing to invest smartly in youth.

## Villa Tracking Rodolfo Aloko

![Rodolfo Aloko. (Instagram)](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/100139543-0-image-a-19_1752056200954-edited.avif)

Rodolfo Aloko. (Instagram)

[According to the *Daily Mail*,](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-14889139/Aston-Villa-Brighton-5m-wonderkid-18-Europe.html)Villa are keeping tabs on highly rated teenage attacking midfielder Rodolfo Aloko, who currently plays for Croatian second-division side NK Kustošija.

The 18-year-old — [described as a “gem” in scouting circles](https://x.com/FootballBenin/status/1932438788996804823)— was called up to the senior Benin national team last month, making his debut against Morocco, and has already attracted attention from a host of top European clubs, including Sevilla, Brighton, RB Leipzig, and Eintracht Frankfurt.

Villa are believed to be serious contenders for his signature and view Aloko as a strong long-term fit for the Premier League due to his athleticism, technical ability, and attacking instincts.

Kustošija — known for developing top-tier talent, having recently sold 18-year-old midfielder Lovro Chelfi to Barcelona — are reportedly open to selling Aloko, but are demanding a fee in the region of £4.75 million.

While Villa fans will undoubtedly welcome another exciting prospect, time is ticking in the transfer window — and many will be hoping for a few more experienced arrivals to balance the youthful promise Emery continues to bring in.