Aston Villa have officially completed the signing of promising Dutch striker Zepiqueno Redmond, marking their first major acquisition of the summer 2025 transfer window. The 19-year-old forward joins the Premier League club on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract at Eredivisie side Feyenoord on June 30, 2025.
Redmond, a Rotterdam-born talent with Surinamese roots, has been highly regarded within Dutch football circles for his prolific scoring ability and versatility across the forward line. His journey began in the youth ranks of local amateur clubs Alexandria '66 and CVV Zwervers before progressing to ADO Den Haag, a second-tier Dutch team. His performances caught the eye of Feyenoord, who brought him into their academy setup in 2019.
Throughout his youth career, Redmond demonstrated an uncanny knack for finding the back of the net. Former coach Ricardo Veerman recalled, "He could dribble past defenders with ease and scored a lot — often three times per match, sometimes even more." This remarkable goal-scoring form included an astonishing 80 goals in a single season, encompassing both league and cup matches, according to John Meeder, whose son played alongside Redmond during their youth days.
Redmond's rapid development earned him a professional contract with Feyenoord in June 2022. His senior breakthrough came in November 2024 under then-manager Brian Priske, who handed him his Eredivisie debut during a 4-1 victory over Almere City. At just 18 years and 141 days old, Redmond became Feyenoord’s youngest starting debutant in the Eredivisie since Orkun Kokcu in 2018.
Reflecting on his debut, Redmond said, "I wasn't thinking about it at all. It's a great opportunity for me, but it's a shame that the team is missing so many good strikers. I think it went okay. Of course, you always want to show more, but it's a start and I have to be satisfied with that, I think. The coach told me that this is just the beginning and that I can only make more steps. I always hope for more, but it is in my own hands."
His first senior goals arrived in December 2024 during a Dutch Cup match against MVV Maastricht, where he netted a brace in a 2-1 win. Redmond also gained valuable experience on the European stage, making two Champions League appearances in the 2024-25 season. He started in a 1-1 group stage draw against AC Milan at the iconic San Siro and later came off the bench in the round of 16 second leg against Inter Milan, also at the San Siro.
Internationally, Redmond has represented the Netherlands at various youth levels, notably playing a pivotal role in the Netherlands Under-19 team that clinched the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in June 2025. He scored twice against England in the group stages, underscoring his potential on the continental stage.
Despite Feyenoord offering improved terms to retain him, Redmond expressed a clear desire to take the next step in his career abroad. After agreeing personal terms with Aston Villa in May 2025 and completing a medical, the deal was officially announced on July 1, 2025. He signed a four-year contract that will keep him at Villa Park until June 2029.
Villa’s head coach Unai Emery is believed to be particularly attracted to Redmond’s versatility, as the young striker can operate across the frontline, including on the left wing, where he featured for the Netherlands Under-19s. The club’s recruitment and data analysis teams have focused on acquiring precocious talents with high ceilings at reasonable costs, a strategy exemplified by their January 2025 signing of Levante’s Andres Garcia for £5 million.
Initially, Redmond is expected to integrate with Aston Villa’s under-21 squad to continue his development before pushing for first-team opportunities. His arrival coincides with Villa’s first sale of the summer, with defender Kaine Kesler-Hayden moving to Coventry City for a fee approaching £5 million. Forward Louie Barry is also set to depart, although his proposed transfer to Hull City is reportedly at risk of falling through. Meanwhile, Villa are working to terminate the contract of playmaker Philippe Coutinho.
Redmond’s unique name has also sparked interest on social media, especially in Brazil. It is inspired by the 2002 Brazilian film "City of God," with his parents adapting the name of the movie’s main character, Zé Pequeno. Redmond humorously remarked, "The movie is a bit about gangsters. The main character is called Zé Pequeno. That’s where my parents got the name from. Luckily, that didn't happen [becoming a gangster] and I became a footballer!"
Since late February 2025, Redmond had been working under Feyenoord’s new manager Robin van Persie, a Premier League legend. Although he made only one league appearance under Van Persie, the manager included him in eight of the 13 Eredivisie matches he oversaw, indicating faith in his potential.
With his blend of raw pace, technical skill, and goal-scoring instincts, Redmond represents a promising addition to Aston Villa’s attacking options. Fans will be eager to see how the young Dutchman adapts to the demands of English football and whether he can fulfill the high expectations set by his youth career and early professional experiences.
