Aston Villa Scouts Oğuz Aydın as Left Wing Options Remain Uncertain
Aston Villa is actively seeking stability on the left wing as Unai Emery continues to experiment with his attacking line-up during the ongoing 2026/27 season. The team currently holds ninth place in the Premier League with 11 points from eight matches, achieving three wins, two draws, and three losses. However, their performance in European competitions has shown more promise.
The recent 6-0 triumph over Fenerbahce in the Champions League highlighted vulnerabilities in the Turkish side, while also providing Villa’s recruitment team a chance to evaluate potential targets. So far, Villa has shared the responsibilities on the left wing among Alejandro Garnacho, Johan Manzambi, Emi Buendia, and young talent Ibrahim Mbaye, although no definitive starter has emerged.
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This ambiguity in choice is influencing Villa’s tactical approach, especially as the club strives to balance immediate success with the growth of its younger players. Garnacho, currently on loan from Chelsea, and Mbaye require consistent playing time but without the weight of excessive expectations in competitive domestic and European matches. Consequently, Emery finds himself needing a reliable left-wing option that can bolster the squad without hindering Mbaye’s development.
According to Birmingham Live, citing Turkish source NTV, Villa’s scouts observed Oğuz Aydın during Fenerbahce’s recent 2-1 defeat to Galatasaray. The 26-year-old winger contributed an assist for İrfan Can Kahveci, further igniting interest that reportedly began when he faced Villa earlier this month.
The Dutch-born Türkiye international has netted three goals and provided four assists across 17 appearances this season, including a goal in Fenerbahce’s 2-2 Champions League draw with Slavia Prague. He is under contract until 2028, although Fenerbahce reportedly intends to extend that deal, and Villa has allegedly reached out to his agent.
Would Aydın strengthen Villa without limiting Mbaye’s development?
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – OCTOBER 26: Roland Sallai of Galatasaray is challenged by Oğuz Aydın of Fenerbahce during the Turkish Super League 2026/27 match between Galatasaray SK and Fenerbahce SK at Rams Park Stadium on October 26, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
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An acquisition in January could supply Emery with a more seasoned player capable of operating on either wing, pressing effectively, and supporting transitions. His performance records provide a solid foundation for consideration; however, Villa needs to evaluate his defensive capabilities and overall fit for the Premier League before allocating substantial resources.
Financially, Aydın’s ongoing contract grants Fenerbahce a significant position in negotiations, while any potential renewal could fortify their stance and complicate Villa’s attempts to finalize a deal. Currently, no definitive figures regarding transfer fees or weekly wages have surfaced, rendering assumptions about a low-cost acquisition premature.
For Villa, the strongest argument for pursuing Aydın centers on achieving squad balance. He could alleviate some of the pressure on Mbaye, present competition for Garnacho, and furnish Emery with additional options in matches that require enhanced defensive discipline.
Nonetheless, Villa has already made considerable investments in their squad, and any new signing must deliver clear value instead of merely adding to the roster. Should scouting reports validate his tactical discipline and adaptability to Premier League demands, Aydın might fill a pressing gap while allowing Mbaye to grow at a manageable pace.
