(Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media)

Evan Shaw

Fri 10 April 2026 9:45, UK

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Aston Villa are being urged to launch a summer move for Bologna’s Jonathan Rowe by their former striker Stan Collymore.

The 22-year-old played on the left wing for the Italian side in their 3-1 defeat to the Villans on Thursday night, and wowed the crowd by netting a stunning solo goal in stoppage time.

That was Rowe’s third goal of Bologna’s Europa League campaign, while his performance was enough to have Collymore and several Villa fans gushing over him on social media.

His goal ultimately meant little as Ollie Watkins’ second of the evening quickly restored the visitors’ two-goal cushion in the 94th minute, but it was certainly enough for him to make an impression upon his opponents.

Aston Villa’s transfer plans are already in place for this summer, and Collymore feels that Rowe could be the perfect reinforcement to their attacking ranks.

Stan Collymore in awe of Jonathan Rowe: ‘Get the cheque book out’

Rowe has consistently been linked with a move to the Premier League in recent years, but he has continued to forge a promising career for himself on the continent.

His move from Marseille to Bologna last summer has brought six goals and three assists for the former Norwich City man in all competitions, but the Europa League is where his influence has been felt the greatest.

That was evident on Thursday, as he created two chances, completed four successful dribbles and won seven of his 10 duels, while also scoring an impressive goal.

Collymore was in awe of the forward’s display, and he was even calling for Villa’s director of football operations Damian Vidagny to launch a transfer move for Rowe before he had even left the stadium.

“Rowe is exactly the type of player we need,” the 55-year-old said in a post via his X account.

“Physically impressive, won’t be pushed around, direct, lightning quick and unafraid to shoot. Hope Vidagny has the club cheque book out in the tunnel after the game!”

Collymore is unlikely to have got his wish in terms of the immediacy of the move, but it would be no surprise if Vidagny and Unai Emery shared a similar view of Rowe after the problems that he caused their team.

Aston Villa could spend some of £70m windfall on Rowe

Football Insider revealed in March 2025 that Aston Villa’s Champions League run that saw them reach the quarter-finals back in 2024-25 netted them around £70million in prize money.

They are on course to secure a return to that competition for next season, and it could prove to be just as lucrative if they can progress beyond the early stages once again.

Villa are set to get a significant boost to their coffers from just qualification alone, and as a result, that gives them the perfect opportunity to splash some of that cash on Rowe ahead of next season.

They will need striker cover for the duo of Watkins and Tammy Abraham, and the youngster’s versatility at the top of the pitch will be seen as another big tick against his name.

Rowe has built a growing reputation for himself since he netted the winner in England U21’s European Championships triumph last summer, and he could now be ready to take on the Premier League.