Watkins could leave Villa before transfer deadline - Emery
August 21, 2026 15:47
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has confirmed there have been offers for striker Ollie Watkins and said he cannot guarantee the England international will remain at Villa Park before the transfer window closes. Emery said he wants to keep Watkins but accepted a departure remains possible if it suits the player, the club and the squad.
Emery also addressed the goalkeeper situation: Emi Martínez’s proposed move to Juventus collapsed after the clubs failed to agree a fee, and Villa have signed Japan international Zion Suzuki from Parma as their new first‑choice keeper.
KEY CONTEXT
- Watkins is reportedly a target for Saudi side Al‑Hilal; Emery said offers have been received.
- Villa have already lost several first‑team players this summer, including Ezri Konsa (to Arsenal for £51m) and Morgan Rogers (to Chelsea for a reported record £117m), while Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne have also departed.
- Watkins joined from Brentford in 2020 for £28m, has scored 108 goals for Villa and is the club’s record Premier League scorer. An image caption in the report notes he scored 21 goals last season as Villa won the Europa League.
WHY IT MATTERS
A Watkins exit would continue a notable turnover at Villa following their Europa League triumph, potentially removing a long‑standing source of goals. The club have already replaced their goalkeeper, signalling they are preparing for changes in key positions; how Villa replace any outgoing starters will shape their readiness for the new Premier League campaign.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- The transfer window closes in roughly 10 days, according to Emery; whether Watkins accepts a move and whether Villa can find an adequate replacement will determine the immediate squad outlook.
- Martinez’s future remains unresolved after the collapsed Juventus deal; Villa have signed Suzuki and Emery indicated he will be used now, but Martinez’s availability for selection is limited as he has only had one training session after his post‑World Cup break and will miss the opener at Brighton.
KEY FACTS
- Emery confirmed offers have been made for Ollie Watkins and said the striker could still leave before the window closes.
- Watkins has scored 108 goals for Villa since joining in 2020 and is the club’s record Premier League scorer.
- Ezri Konsa moved to Arsenal for £51m; Morgan Rogers joined Chelsea for a reported £117m; Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne have also left.
- Emi Martínez’s proposed move to Juventus collapsed; Villa signed Zion Suzuki from Parma for £30m as their new No.1.
- If Watkins and Martínez both depart, Villa will have sold six members of the starting XI that won the Europa League two months ago.