Aston Villa are reportedly set to renew their pursuit of Turkish forward Semih Kilicsoy, according to a recent article by the Turkish media outlet Star. The Premier League club is determined to secure the services of the talented Besiktas player and plans to submit an improved bid during the upcoming January transfer window. However, Villa will face stiff competition from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), who are expected to make a substantial offer in the region of €30 million to complete the transfer.
Kilicsoy, a 19-year-old forward hailing from Istanbul, is rapidly establishing himself as a key player in the emerging era of Turkish football talent that has been garnering significant attention from fans and scouts alike. The wave of young players making their mark, including talents such as Arda Guler, who recently made headlines with his transfer to Real Madrid, has sparked increased interest in other promising individuals like Kenan Yildiz and Kilicsoy from top European clubs. This trend reflects a noticeable shift within the footballing landscape, as clubs increasingly look to invest in youth rather than solely pursuing seasoned stars.
Having honed his skills at the youth academies of various clubs before flourishing at Besiktas, Kilicsoy has demonstrated exceptional potential since the commencement of the 2024/25 season. He has already made a significant impact, contributing two goals and four assists in 17 matches across all competitions. Such performances have undoubtedly attracted the attention of elite clubs, positioning both Aston Villa and PSG as serious contenders to add him to their respective squads.
Aston Villa’s interest in Kilicsoy aligns with their broader strategy under manager Unai Emery, who aims to enhance his attacking options. The club initially eyed a move for Kilicsoy during the summer transfer window; however, negotiations did not materialise, making their renewed bid all the more noteworthy.
On the other hand, PSG are navigating a transitional phase following the departure of star player Kylian Mbappe, who left the club on a free transfer. In light of this shift, the French champions are actively seeking replacements to bolster their attacking lineup, and Kilicsoy has emerged as a promising candidate. Reports indicate that a successful agreement could lead to the young forward signing a four-year contract with the Parisians.
As Aston Villa and PSG brace themselves for an exhilarating contest to secure Kilicsoy's signature, the January transfer window is shaping up to be a captivating period for both clubs and the young talent at its centre. With his future hanging in the balance, Kilicsoy's prospects appear increasingly bright amid the keen interest from two of Europe’s most ambitious clubs.