Ollie Watkins and Aston Villa: A Relationship Unraveling as Saudi Millions Knock
Saudi club Al-Hilal have offered close to £40m for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, and Villa have no intention of accepting it. The bid falls below Villa's asking price, and a deal remains some way off, with the transfer deadline looming next Tuesday (BBC Sport).
The gap between the offer and Villa's valuation might not be the real story, though. Watkins wants to leave. He has agreed personal terms with Al-Hilal, the Saudi Pro League side, and has made his feelings clear to the Villa hierarchy (FourFourTwo; The Athletic). There have been no public comments from Watkins or his representatives, but he is understood to be open to the move (BBC Sport).
What makes the situation uncomfortable for Villa is how quickly the mood has shifted. Watkins, 30, has scored 108 goals in 278 games for the club since joining from Brentford for a then-record £28m. Last season he helped Villa beat Freiburg in Istanbul to win the Europa League, ending the club's 30-year wait for a trophy. That final currently stands to be his last game in claret and blue (BBC Sport).
Manager Unai Emery revealed the previous week that Watkins could leave. When Sky Sports asked him why Watkins was not involved against Brighton, Emery responded with silence, appearing to lay the blame at the striker's door. He later said he does not want to sell Watkins but that the situation "can change" as the club have received offers (Sky Sports). Watkins has been training on his own after returning from an extended break following the World Cup (BBC Sport).
People at Villa are surprised at how the relationship is ending. It was not expected to be like this (BBC Sport).
There is a pattern to Watkins' career that makes the standoff feel familiar. In 2017, as a young forward at Exeter City, he was initially left out of the team by manager Paul Tisdale amid interest from Derby County. Watkins pleaded to play, came off the bench, and scored in a win against Wycombe. The talent was always obvious; the circumstance was always complicated (BBC Sport).
For Al-Hilal, the deal carries its own complications. They signed Crysencio Summerville from West Ham in July and recently loaned Darwin Nunez to Diriyah, but they are still likely to need to move on one of their overseas players to make room for Watkins (BBC Sport). Saudi Pro League clubs operate with limits on foreign players, meaning every incoming signing can require an outgoing one.
Villa are already planning for life without him. They are expected to make a move for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson if Watkins is sold (Sky Sports).
Arsenal tested Villa's resolve in January 2024 with a £40m bid, payable in six instalments, and were rejected (The Athletic). Villa have shown before that they will hold firm on price. The question now is whether Al-Hilal will meet it, and whether Watkins' desire to leave forces their hand.
Six days, one deadline, and a striker who has already made up his mind.
