Football Insider exclusive as Julian Quinones celebrates a goal for Mexico, while Aston Villa manager Unai Emery applauds on the other side of a split image.
Villa are exploring a possible move for Quinones.Imago
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Sources: Aston Villa exploring Julian Quinones deal after another transfer all but done

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Transfer Correspondent AUTHORITY Former Sky Sports and ESPN FC correspondent who specialises in global recruitment, contract negotiations, and high-velocity transfer breaking news. FOCUS Exclusive reporting, domestic and international transfer markets, and elite-level insights. THE INSIGHT Pete utilises a Global Network of Industry Sources to deliver verified, first-to-market reporting. His “Deep-Lens” analysis connects the dots between boardroom strategy and pitch-level recruitment, providing a level of transfer clarity that goes beyond surface-level rumours.

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Aston Villa are continuing to explore a move to sign Al Qadsiah forward Julian Quinones ahead of next season, sources have told Football Insider. 

The Villans are working to strengthen their squad ahead of their return to the Champions League, and have earmarked the 29-year-old as a clear target after an impressive World Cup for Mexico. 

Unai Emery and Co. are impressed by what they have seen from the former Club America man on the world stage, and are weighing up a move for him. 

Sources have indicated that Quinones’ hefty wages in the Saudi Pro League will provide an obstacle to a deal, but Villa are working to overcome that hurdle. 

Quinones ended 2025-26 as the Pro League’s leading goalscorer, after netting a staggering 33 goals from just 31 league games. 

Primarily a striker by trade, he dazzled for Mexico when cutting in from the left wing at the World Cup, as he ended the tournament with four goals and an assist to his name. 

Aston Villa could be about to benefit from World Cup scouting again

Teams across the footballing world have had eyes on the World Cup for possible transfer targets this summer, but Villa could yet be one of the main sides to gain a significant benefit. 

They are rapidly closing in on the signing of Swiss starlet Johan Manzambi after moving quickly to hijack Newcastle’s move in recent days, and could soon land Quinones as well. 

The forward has never played in Europe before in his career, but proved the level he is at by netting against both England and much-fancied Ecuador at the World Cup. 

Both Manzambi and Quinones have been surprise stars of the tournament, and have forced their ways onto the radars of Premier League clubs as a result. 

Villa are desperate to add strength in depth ahead of competing against Europe’s best once again, and are casting their net far and wide to find potential reinforcements.

Football Insider exclusive as Julian Quinones celebrates a goal for Mexico, while Aston Villa manager Unai Emery applauds on the other side of a split image.
Sources: Why Newcastle are set to lose out on Johan Manzambi as ‘key’ to Aston Villa deal revealed

‘Key’ to Aston Villa’s Johan Manzambi hijack revealed

Football Insider revealed earlier this week that Villa being able to offer Champions League football has been the “key” to them tempting him to choose them over Newcastle. 

The Villans will line up against Europe’s elite once again next term, while the Magpies are unable to offer any form of continental football after a poor campaign in 2025-26.

Manzambi is keen to continue his rapid rise by testing himself at the highest possible level with his next move, something Emery and Co. are well-placed to provide.

Newcastle had been “hopeful” of getting their move for the Freiburg man over the line, but things changed very quickly once Villa entered the race.

Unai Emery
Aston Villa Football Club
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