Who is Jesus Rodriguez? Aston Villa transfer talks and Nico Williams comparison
Real Betis prodigy Jesús Rodríguez is being targeted by Aston Villa
Aston Villa have opened talks with Real Betis over signing Jesús Rodríguez this summer.
The 18-year-old enjoyed a breakout campaign under Manuel Pellegrini last season and is regarded as a highly promising talent.
Rodríguez made 32 senior appearances in 2024/25, including 21 in La Liga, and made his first-team debut in October in the Copa del Rey against CD Gévora.
He bagged two league goals last term - one in his fourth La Liga game against Alavés and another later in the campaign in a 5-1 win over Real Valladolid.
Most impressively, Rodríguez played in 19 of Betis’ 20 La Liga games after the turn of the year.
He predominantly played off the left but also operated on the right, where he’d often race to the byline to produce a cross.
As a right-footed player, he enjoys receiving the ball in dangerous areas off the left, driving inward and looking to make an impact in the final third.
Of all La Liga players who started at least 10 matches last term, only Lamine Yamal (9.97), Nico Williams (8.42) and Vinicius Junior (7.64) attempted more take-ons per 90 minutes than Rodríguez (6.83).
For context, Morgan Rogers made 4.62 take-ons per 90 in the Premier League, with Marcus Rashford and Leon Bailey tied at 4.49.
Villa have been pursuing a winger who can commit defenders for some time. Unai Emery held talks with Nico Williams following his appointment in 2023, while Jaden Philogene’s skill set was also highly appreciated by the Spaniard.
Philogene’s return to the club didn’t go as planned, however, and he was sold for £20m to Ipswich Town in January.
Rodríguez is undoubtedly one of Spain’s brightest young talents and one to watch in the coming seasons - whether he remains at Betis or makes the move to Villa Park.
RB Leipzig are also known to hold strong interest in the winger, who has a release clause of €35m. However, Betis could reportedly raise his release clause to €50m at any time by triggering a clause in his contract and increasing his salary.
The key attribute that Rodríguez brings is his speed, which allows him to eat up ground in transition and exploit space in behind.
His six-foot frame is unusual for a winger, but his long stride lets him burst past markers and create space, even in tight areas.
His physical profile and work rate are also key components of his game, allowing him to contribute defensively as well.
Improving his output will be his main objective wherever he plays his football next season, but Rodríguez’s raw attributes are impressive, to say the least.
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