Ollie Watkins, a cornerstone of Aston Villa’s success over the past six years, appears to be nearing an emotional exit from the club. The 30-year-old striker, who has netted 108 goals in 278 appearances since his £28 million arrival from Brentford, is currently the subject of intense transfer speculation involving Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
The situation reached a boiling point during Aston Villa’s Premier League opener against Brighton on Sunday. Head coach Unai Emery omitted Watkins from the squad entirely, a decision that resulted in a 4-0 defeat for the team. When questioned about the striker’s absence, Emery offered an enigmatic response, telling Sky Sports, “This question is for him. I can answer only with my silence.”
This tense atmosphere mirrors the club’s experience last season regarding goalkeeper Emi Martinez. At that time, when asked about Martinez’s absence from a match against Crystal Palace, Emery repeatedly stated the name of his replacement, Marco Bizot. The current standoff with Watkins has left the club reeling, particularly given the striker’s status as a fan favorite and his pivotal role in the team’s recent rise, including their Europa League victory against Freiburg in Istanbul.
Al-Hilal has reportedly submitted four offers for the forward, with the latest approaching £40 million. However, these bids remain below Aston Villa’s valuation. While the club is playing hardball as the transfer deadline approaches, there is an acknowledgment that a solution must be found. Watkins has been training individually following an extended break after the World Cup and has reportedly expressed his desire for a move to the club’s hierarchy.
The complexity of the deal is compounded by Al-Hilal’s need to clear space for an overseas player, despite their recent loaning of Darwin Nunez to Diriyah. For Villa, the potential departure of Watkins poses a significant challenge. The club is already managing the future of Emi Martinez, whose move to Juventus collapsed earlier this month, and they are seeking a new number one following the signing of Zion Suzuki.
Emery is also tasked with reshaping his squad following the departures of key figures like Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Lucas Digne, and Ezri Konsa. The club has seen two bids rejected by Southampton for defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis as they look to fill the void left by Konsa. Meanwhile, 17-year-old Brian Madjo, recently registered after a successful battle with FIFA, provides an additional, albeit inexperienced, attacking option.
The club’s transfer strategy remains fluid. While they were previously open to letting Tammy Abraham leave, the potential exit of Watkins may force a rethink, especially as Abraham remains happy at Villa Park. Nicolas Jackson, whom Emery previously managed at Villarreal, is considered a top target, though there has been no direct contact with Manchester United regarding Joshua Zirkzee.
Those within Villa are reportedly surprised by the deterioration of the relationship with Watkins. Known for his grounded nature and high work rate, Watkins has historically shown a strong desire to play, even in difficult circumstances. In 2017, while at Exeter, he famously pleaded with manager Paul Tisdale to play despite transfer interest from Derby, eventually coming off the bench to score against Wycombe.
Emery’s frustration suggests that the current situation is particularly taxing. Had the player been someone with a less professional reputation, the manager’s reaction might have been more indifferent. As it stands, the potential loss of a player who has been synonymous with the club’s recent history represents a painful and unexpected chapter for Aston Villa. The report also notes that that Villa lost 4-0 – conceding all four in a calamitous opening 31 minutes before having debutant Joao Gomes sent off – merely added added to the perceived insult. The report also notes that highlights: Brighton dominate 10-man Aston Vila. The report also notes that al-Hilal, who have offered close to £40m, are not near to Aston Villa ‘s asking price. The report also notes that another unanswered question is whether Villa see the Saudi money for a striker turning 31 in December – and who had been in and out of Emery’s team last season – as a good deal. The report also notes that perhaps the very real pain at this potential break-up is the reason for the difficulties. The report also notes that he is a grounded and family-orientated individual who enjoys the occasional game of golf but always focuses on his football. The report also notes that although at a lower level, but he has been in this position before. The report also notes that along with Watkins, Villa must resolve Martinez’s future after a second summer of discontent from the Argentina international.
