Aston Villa fans have voiced their displeasure with striker Ollie Watkins and his wife, Ellie, following comments from manager Unai Emery that hinted at the player refusing to play amid transfer speculation.
Watkins, 30, was notably absent from Aston Villa's squad for their season-opening 4-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday. This absence occurred despite the club's other forward options, Brian Madjo and Tammy Abraham, being sidelined with injuries. Aston Villa has stated that they have rejected four offers from Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal for Watkins, with the most recent offer reportedly around £34 million. The club considers this valuation insufficient for a sale.
Sources within the club indicate that Watkins is neither ill nor injured, though he is not believed to have trained fully last week. When questioned about Watkins' absence after the match, Emery responded cryptically, "This question is for him. I can answer only with my silence." When pressed on whether Watkins was refusing to play, Emery added, "I think you can call him, you can call his agent and he can respond. He can only explain his answer, I can’t. We had two strikers injured and another striker – it’s his answer."
Following Emery's remarks, several Aston Villa supporters directed their frustration towards Watkins and his wife, Ellie, on social media platforms. Comments on Ellie Watkins' Instagram account included pleas for the player not to leave the club and messages expressing disappointment. Some fans also posted snake emojis on Watkins' personal social media posts and made comments such as "Congrats on selling your soul Ollie" and "Respect totally gone."
The fan reaction comes after Aston Villa's poor performance against Brighton, where the team conceded four goals in just over half an hour. The club has seen several key players depart during the current transfer window, partly due to UEFA financial regulations. Players such as Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Lucas Digne, and Ezri Konsa have already left. Watkins and goalkeeper Emi Martinez, who was also absent from Sunday's match, could potentially follow.
Manager Emery has previously expressed his difficulties with the transfer window impacting team stability. "I think the transfer window should always be closed," he remarked. "In the last three years, until the transfer window closes, we have had problems like we are having now. The players have the mentality I want – not complaining, not blaming, and trying to be patient, even with results like today. We have had this problem (with the window) every season and we overcame it. But it’s something hard for us every year."