The short version
- Unai Emery has confirmed that Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins may leave the club before the transfer deadline, citing interest from Saudi side Al-Hilal.
- The potential exit adds to a significant restructuring of the squad, which has already seen several key Europa League winners depart for other Premier League clubs.
- Emery emphasizes that any sale must benefit the player, the club, and the team, while new signings aim to fill immediate gaps in the starting lineup.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has indicated that star striker Ollie Watkins may depart the club before the conclusion of the current transfer window. The England international, who was instrumental in securing the Europa League title for the Birmingham-based side last season, is reportedly the target of Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal. Emery confirmed that formal offers have been received, marking a significant development in the ongoing restructuring of the squad.
The manager expressed a clear preference to retain Watkins, describing him as a fantastic striker and acknowledging his status as the club’s record Premier League scorer. However, Emery admitted he cannot guarantee the thirty-year-old will remain at Villa Park. He outlined a pragmatic approach, stating that a sale would only proceed if it represented a favorable outcome for the player, the institution, and the sporting project, provided suitable replacements can be secured.
This uncertainty surrounds Watkins comes as Aston Villa undergoes one of the most extensive squad overhauls in recent memory. The club has already seen several key figures from last season’s successful campaign leave. Defender Ezri Konsa has moved to Arsenal for a reported fee of £51 million, while midfielder Morgan Rogers joined Chelsea for a club-record sum of £117 million. Additionally, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne have departed, signaling a deliberate shift in the team’s composition.
The potential loss of Watkins would mean that up to six members of the starting eleven that won the Europa League two months ago could be sold by the time the window closes. This includes goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, whose proposed move to Juventus fell through due to disagreements over the transfer fee. Despite the collapsed deal, Martinez has informed the club of his desire for a new challenge, prompting management to prepare for his eventual exit.
To address the void in goalkeeping, Aston Villa has signed Japan international Zion Suzuki from Parma for £30 million. Emery emphasized that Suzuki was brought in not merely as a long-term project but to contribute immediately. The manager noted that Suzuki demonstrated the capacity to perform at the required level during his assessment, although he acknowledged the new signing will need time to adapt to the specific demands of the Premier League and the club’s tactical system.
Martinez remains unavailable for the upcoming Premier League opener against Brighton due to limited training sessions following his return from international duty with Argentina. His absence highlights the transitional nature of the current squad, as Emery balances the integration of new arrivals with the retention of remaining core players. The manager stressed that Suzuki’s arrival was a direct response to Martinez’s expressed interest in exploring other opportunities.
Emery reflected on the club’s historical approach to player turnover, noting that such transitions are part of their established routine. He pointed out that similar scenarios have occurred previously with departing players, suggesting a strategic continuity rather than a reactive scramble. The manager maintained confidence in Watkins’ current form, asserting that if he stays, he will continue to perform at his established high level.
The situation underscores the delicate balance Emery must maintain between financial sustainability and competitive ambition. With ten days remaining in the transfer window, the club faces critical decisions regarding its attacking options. The departure of such a prolific scorer would require careful planning to ensure that the team’s offensive output is not compromised in the early stages of the new season.
Further adjustments are being made to bolster the squad depth. West Ham United defender Tariq Lamptey has joined Aston Villa on loan, adding defensive options as the manager seeks to stabilize a backline that has seen significant changes. These moves reflect a broader strategy to rebuild around a new core while managing the financial implications of selling high-profile assets.
As the deadline approaches, the focus remains on whether Watkins will ultimately sign for Al-Hilal or commit his future to Aston Villa. The outcome will likely define the tone of Emery’s next campaign, influencing both tactical flexibility and squad morale. The club’s ability to navigate this period of transition will be tested by the immediate performance requirements of the Premier League season.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Sport↗Watkins could leave Villa before transfer deadline - Emery
