Aston Villa Weigh Watkins Future as Transfer Plans Build…,

Aston Villa Weigh Watkins Future as Transfer Plans Build

 

Aston Villa are facing an important decision over the future of striker Ollie Watkins as transfer plans continue to take shape ahead of the new Premier League season.

Watkins remains one of the most established forwards at Villa Park, having become a key figure under manager Unai Emery. The England international is under contract until 2028 and remains an important part of Villa’s attacking options. However, growing interest from clubs abroad has placed his long-term future under fresh scrutiny.

 

Recent reports have linked Watkins with a possible move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. The club are reportedly considering the 30-year-old as part of their plans to reshape their attack, with discussions involving Aston Villa said to be developing. There is currently no confirmed agreement between the clubs, meaning Watkins’ immediate future remains unresolved.

 

The situation is particularly significant because Villa are also considering their options in attack. Nicolas Jackson has been repeatedly linked with a move to Villa Park, with Emery understood to be interested in a reunion with the forward, whom he previously worked with at Villarreal. Villa’s interest in Jackson could become more important if Watkins eventually departs.

 

Watkins’ importance to Villa cannot be underestimated. He has scored more than 100 goals for the club and has played a major role in their return to the Champions League level. He also finished the 2025/26 campaign with 21 goals in all competitions, demonstrating that he remains capable of producing at the highest level.

 

Nevertheless, Villa must consider the financial and sporting implications of keeping or selling him. At 30, Watkins is entering the later stages of his career, while his contract situation means the club may have to decide whether to retain an experienced striker or cash in while his market value remains significant.

 

For Emery, the priority will be ensuring that any decision does not weaken Villa’s ambitions. The club are already rebuilding after several important departures this summer and remain determined to compete in Europe and challenge near the top end of the Premier League.

 

If Watkins stays, his experience, movement and proven goalscoring ability will remain valuable to Emery’s plans. If he leaves, however, Villa will need to move quickly to secure a suitable replacement and maintain sufficient depth in attack.

 

With the transfer window approaching its conclusion, Watkins’ situation is therefore one of the key stories to watch at Villa Park. For now, his future remains open, while Aston Villa continue to prepare for either outcome.