Aston Villa Join Race for 'Electric' MLS Winger

Aston Villa Identify MLS Starlet as New Target This Winter

Aston Villa are enjoying an incredible season across all competitions so far, having won their last ten matches in a row to sit a comfortable 3rd in the Premier League, just three points back from league-leading Arsenal.

As they look to continue their momentum towards a return to Champions League football and stake an unlikely potential claim in the title race, they have began the identification of fresh recruits ahead of what is expected to be a thrilling January window across all the leagues, with The Villains having identified a hot prospect out of the MLS as their potential fresh face.

Fast start in New York. 👊

Mohammed Sofo finds his first for the early lead!

📺 #MLSSeasonPass: https://t.co/XVPD8TA9Ct pic.twitter.com/l1osvjSVta

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 2, 2025

Sofo Linked with Premier League Switch

Mohammed Sofo is the man in question, with the New York Red Bulls winger coming out of the back of an excellent individual season in New York City over the course of 2025.

The 2004-born Ghanaian registered eight goals in all competitions for the club over 2025 during his maiden professional season, having made a sole debut appearance amidst the 2024 campaign.

Three points on the road secured for @NewYorkRedBulls 🫡

Mohammed Sofo with the finish to surely give New York the win in DC. pic.twitter.com/3UKZ1L0yU4

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 25, 2025

Signed from Malian side Guidars FC back in 2023, Sofo was added into NYRB's senior roster just one year later and has quickly risen to the standing of one of MLS' best prospects.

According to Africa Foot, Sofo has quickly began attracting the attention of several notable clubs across European football, with Bundesliga side Stuttgart also keeping tabs on the player's availability this winter.

Unai Emery's side, however, have already made the first steps in the race to sign the Ghanaian star, having made contact with the board of directors in New York to put the initial feelers out over a potential deal. At this time, it is not yet indicated whether Villa are looking to bring him in this winter or over the summer. Football Park understand, however, that Red Bulls would prefer to offload him this winter at the end of the MLS season rather than halfway through the 2026 campaign, and will likely demand a much higher fee than his alleged £1m valuation.

Who is Mohammed Sofo?

Mohammed Sofo is a 21-year-old Ghanaian forward who plays for MLS outfit New York Red Bulls.

The 2004-born attacker is comfortable both playing centrally and in a wider role, and has been earmarked across the duration of his debut professional season for his comfort in the final third, composure and electric bout of pace.

Born in Accra, Ghana, Sofo was added to the NYRB first-team roster just one year after joining the club from Malian side Guidars FC, after impressing across his time in the MLS Next Pro division with the NYRB reserve side.

When Mohammed Sofo called game 🎯 pic.twitter.com/jtxUMePjO0

— New York Red Bulls II (@NYRBII) January 17, 2025

He scored eight goals in all competitions in the 2025 season whilst adding an extra assist, and has garnered interest from a host of European clubs to form a small signing race across the continent - one which Aston Villa currently are believed to be leading.

Sofo's current contract in New York runs until the end of the 2026 MLS season, with an option installed to automatically extend his deal for a further two years.

Sofo is currently valued by Transfermarkt at a mere £1m, but NYRB are expected to command a much higher fee for their talented starlet.