The potential transfer of Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins could still happen despite rejections from his current employer to his suitor.
Aston Villa’s turbulent summer is still likely to continue. After the latest exit of Ezri Konsa, their frontman Ollie Watkins could be heading out too. His current potential suitor is Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal. However, Villa seem to be maintaining their stance on the possibility of selling him until their demands are met.
According to a report in The Athletic, Unai Emery himself seems ready to let him leave under certain conditions.
“We have offers for him. He’s our player, I don’t want to sell him, but that can change because if it’s a good option for him, good option for the club and I can replace him, this is the routine we have.”
Al Hilal’s plan to sign Ollie Watkins initially came to light following a tactical disagreement between their boss, Simone Inzaghi, and their star, Karim Benzema. The Italian boss prefers the Frenchman to stay inside the box and focus on scoring, while the former Real Madrid man is more mobile, dropping deep to help with the attacking build-up.
This has created tension, and Inzaghi would like to replace him with a younger frontman. Watkins is seen as his preferred target. However, due to Benzema’s complicated wage situation, it is not easy to resolve, as he wants to receive his full salary to terminate his contract.
This has put Al Hilal in a difficult position as they try to move forward with their interest in the 30-year-old striker. However, the Saudi side does not appear ready to stop its efforts to lure Watkins. They have even submitted a fourth bid worth £45 million, or £7 million more than their previous offer. Yet, it was rejected by Villa.
It is believed that the Lions would not let him go unless a suitor is willing to spend £50-55 million, with Watkins still tied to his contract until 2028. There has been no confirmation from Al Hilal regarding their next move, as Benzema appears to insist on staying if he does not receive his full salary for the final year of his contract. Al Hilal will seemingly either have to reach a compromise with Benzema or improve their offer for Watkins.
In the meantime, Villa have already done everything they can to keep the forward with 24 international caps in the West Midlands. They have offered him a contract extension until 2030. However, there has been no response from the former Brentford man.
This is something that might concern the fans, as Villa would have to scramble to find the ideal replacement with only several days left before deadline day.
This week could be the decisive moment for Villa and Watkins. Let us hope Emery can find a reliable goalscorer to lead the line by the time the striker, who only featured twice at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, decides to leave.
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