Watkins' departure would cut deepest - and Villa did not see it coming

Al‑Hilal have tabled an offer in the region of £40 million for Aston Villa’s striker Ollie Watkins, a figure that falls short of the club’s valuation. With the Tuesday transfer deadline approaching, Villa intend to negotiate firmly for their all‑time Premier League goalscorer. A deal remains uncertain, even after Unai Emery indicated last week that the forward could depart. Al‑Hilal, who secured Crysensio Summerville from West Ham in July, are likely to ask for one of their overseas players to be moved to accommodate Watkins, despite having loaned Darwin Núñez to Diriyah only days ago. Those shifting components complicate the negotiations. Watkins has been training independently since returning from an extended break after the World Cup and has reportedly made his desire to leave clear to the Villa hierarchy. Neither the player nor his representatives have issued public statements, but sources say he is open to a move. The club has also remained silent on Emery’s reaction, notably his enigmatic “silence” response to Sky Sports’ questioning about why Watkins was not involved in the match against Brighton. That remark appeared to place responsibility on the striker. Another unresolved issue is whether Villa view the Saudi-backed investment as suitable for a 30‑year‑old striker who will turn 31 in December and has fluctuated in and out of Emery’s squad over the past season. The crux of the potential split lies in the player’s significance to the club. Watkins, aged 30, has scored 108 goals in 278 appearances for Villa since his £28 million arrival from Brentford – a then‑record fee – and has become a symbol of the team’s rise over the last six years. His role in the Istanbul triumph that ended Villa’s 30‑year wait for silverware, as they defeated Freiburg to claim the Europa League, may now mark his final appearance for the club. Losing Watkins would represent the most emotional departure of this summer’s outgoing players. While Ezri Konsa’s exit was pivotal, Watkins’ goal‑scoring, work rate and overall quality have made him one of Villa’s poster boys. Described as grounded and family‑oriented, Watkins enjoys the occasional game but remains wholly focused on his football. He has faced similar situations before, albeit at a lower level. After being omitted by Paul Tisdale at Exeter amid interest from Derby in 2017, he appealed to the manager for a chance, came off the bench and scored in a victory over Wycombe. Given his track record and determination, those at Villa are surprised at how the relationship with Watkins is concluding; such an outcome was not anticipated. Had the situation involved a different player – one who had not previously been Emery’s first choice – the manager’s reaction might have been more indifferent.