The recent absence of Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa's opening-day match against Brighton marks a critical juncture in his relationship with the club and manager Unai Emery. The situation escalated last week when Emery expressed frustration over Watkins' omission from the squad due to rumors of a move to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal. Emery indicated that the striker himself, or his agent, should address the reasons for his unavailability, stating, "I think you can call him, call his agent and he can respond." Watkins has since spoken to his teammates to explain his perspective.
Aston Villa has set a valuation of at least £50 million for Watkins. While the club is willing to consider a transfer, this fee must be met. Villa is actively seeking reinforcements in defense, wide positions, and at center-forward, suggesting a potential scenario where Watkins could depart. This situation is not entirely unexpected, as reports suggest a series of events over the past 18 months have contributed to the current state of affairs.
Sources indicate that a discussion between Watkins and Emery last week led the manager to believe the striker was keen on a move to Al Hilal and prepared to take significant steps to facilitate it. Watkins reportedly did not train last week while awaiting a formal offer. Al Hilal, which boasts former Wolves captain Ruben Neves and ex-Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly in its ranks, has yet to meet Villa's valuation.
Emery, visibly displeased by Watkins' absence for the Brighton match, did not offer public protection for the player, who subsequently faced online criticism. This comes after a period 18 months prior when Jhon Duran, a Colombian forward, was favored over Watkins. Duran had scored in three consecutive games, leading Villa to consider contingency plans, including potential interest from Arsenal, a club Watkins reportedly supported as a boy.
However, Duran received a red card at Newcastle and, upon completing his suspension, did not regain his starting position due to form and attitude issues. Villa subsequently accepted a £70 million offer from Al Nassr for Duran, deciding to part ways with a player deemed difficult to manage. Villa opted not to sell both forwards in the same transfer window, denying Watkins a move to Arsenal, whose offers reportedly fell short of Villa's £65 million valuation. At the time, Emery emphasized Watkins' importance, stating, "Now we need him, like he needed Aston Villa."
Emery's current stance appears consistent, especially given that Villa has already lost several key players this summer, including Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne, and Ezri Konsa. With the team facing Champions League qualification and with two forwards currently injured, Emery desires experienced players to remain to build the team for the new era.
While Emery typically does not obstruct players seeking transfers, this situation appears more personal. Watkins is represented by Two Touch agency, managed by former Arsenal player Paolo Vernazza. The agency reportedly stands to gain significantly from a move to Al Hilal, and Villa reportedly holds reservations about Vernazza's handling of the situation. Daily Mail Sport has attempted to reach Vernazza for comment but had not received a response.
Watkins, who earns just over £100,000 per week at Villa, is reportedly being offered a substantially higher salary by Al Hilal. He has been Villa's top scorer in every season since joining from Brentford in 2020 and is the club's all-time leading Premier League marksman. The club also notes that Ezri Konsa, who is two years younger, was allowed to join Arsenal for a fee comparable to what Villa seeks for Watkins.
Emery's backing of Watkins has been instrumental in his development into one of Europe's top strikers since the manager's arrival in 2022. This faith was evident even when Watkins endured scoring droughts, with Emery maintaining his support, which was rewarded by a strong finish to last season, scoring 12 goals in 13 games and earning a place in England's World Cup squad.
The manager's frustration was palpable at the Amex Stadium, where he engaged in more frequent arguments with officials and displayed visible irritation towards the opposing bench. His uncharacteristic lack of post-match engagement with Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler further underscored his demeanor.
Despite the current tensions, Watkins' Villa career may not be over. A similar situation unfolded a year ago with Emiliano Martinez, who was seeking a move but ultimately stayed and played a crucial role in the club's success. However, the Saudi Pro League clubs can be decisive, and if they move on from a target, it could present a difficult outcome for Watkins. A mutually agreed-upon deal remains the most likely best-case scenario for all parties. Such a move would allow Watkins a new chapter, and Villa to pursue a replacement, potentially Nicolas Jackson, whom Emery has coached previously at Villarreal. Discussions have also reportedly taken place for Club Brugge center-back Joel Ordonez, despite his current injury. The club's priority is to resolve Watkins' future before their upcoming match against Arsenal. The prospect of Watkins, who supported Arsenal, potentially facing criticism from his own fans in that game could add further pressure to finalize the situation.