Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins was omitted from the squad for Sunday's 4-0 opening-day Premier League defeat at Brighton following a summit with manager Unai Emery over a proposed £50million transfer to Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal.
Emery left those talks convinced that the 30-year-old forward was determined to complete a move to the Middle East and was prepared to take significant steps to force the deal through. Watkins did not train last week while awaiting a formal offer, leading Emery to exclude him from preparation work and drop him for the trip to the Amex Stadium.
When asked after the match what caused the absence of Villa's star striker, an enraged Emery responded with "silence" before adding: "I think you can call him, call his agent and he can respond."
Opening day omission at Brighton
Emery offered no public defence for Watkins during post-match interviews, leaving the England international exposed to heavy criticism from supporters online. The Villa manager appeared visibly agitated throughout the fixture, arguing frequently with the fourth official, clashing with the Brighton bench, and walking directly down the tunnel at full-time without shaking hands with Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler.
Watkins addressed his Aston Villa team-mates on Monday to explain his position and was scheduled to return to partial training this week. Aston Villa maintain that while they are open to selling the striker, Al Hilal must meet their £50million asking price before any deal can be concluded.
Al Hilal, whose squad includes former Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves and former Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly, have not yet submitted an offer matching Villa's valuation. Villa were left without a recognized senior forward at Brighton, with both Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo sidelined by injury. Club officials are now actively pursuing additions in defence, on the wing, and at centre-forward.
Summer talks and Saudi Arabia interest
The friction between Watkins and the club reflects tensions that first emerged 18 months ago. On Boxing Day 2024, Emery selected Colombian striker Jhon Duran ahead of Watkins for a third consecutive match after Duran scored in three straight games. Duran appeared set to cement his place as Villa's starting forward, prompting the club to consider contingency options ahead of the January transfer window.
Arsenal expressed strong interest in Watkins, who grew up supporting the North London club. However, Duran received a straight red card during a match at Newcastle. Following his suspension, Emery decided that Duran's conduct and form did not justify a return to the starting lineup.
When Saudi club Al Nassr submitted a £70million offer for Duran, Villa opted to sell the forward due to management difficulties. Unwilling to lose two main strikers in the same transfer window, Villa refused to sell Watkins to Arsenal, whose offers fell short of Villa's £65million valuation.
Watkins was disappointed by the decision, but Emery publicly reaffirmed his commitment to the player at the close of that transfer window, stating: "Now we need him, like he needed Aston Villa."
Arsenal interest and Jhon Duran departure
Emery takes a similar stance in the current transfer window, having already lost key squad members Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne, and Ezri Konsa this summer. The manager wants senior leaders to remain at Villa Park as the club prepares for another campaign in the UEFA Champions League, making the situation with Watkins feel particularly personal for the Spanish coach.
Watkins is represented by Two Touch, an agency run by former Arsenal player Paolo Vernazza. The agency also represents Villa defender Matty Cash and Crystal Palace midfielder Will Hughes, with Watkins standing as their primary client. Villa hierarchy are understood to be dissatisfied with how Vernazza has handled negotiations with Al Hilal, though Vernazza has not responded to requests for comment.
Watkins currently earns just over £100,000 per week at Aston Villa, whereas Al Hilal are offering a contract with a significantly higher salary. Watkins, who turns 31 in December, has noted that teammate Ezri Konsa, who is two years younger, was permitted to join Arsenal for a fee comparable to the £50million valuation placed on Watkins.
Contract details and agency negotiations
Aston Villa view the valuation as fair given Watkins' consistent performance. He has finished as the club's top scorer in every season since joining from Brentford in 2020 and holds the record as Villa's all-time top scorer in the Premier League.
Since taking charge in 2022, Emery has helped develop Watkins into one of Europe's top central strikers. Emery consistently prioritized Watkins, selling Dutch forward Donyell Malen to Roma in January to ensure Watkins remained the focal point of the attack. Malen has since scored 18 goals in 21 matches for the Serie A side.
Emery also maintained faith in Watkins through an extended goal drought last season, when the striker scored only once before December and once between January 4 and March 11. Watkins rewarded that faith by scoring 12 goals in his final 13 matches of the season, earning a place in England's World Cup squad and scoring in a warm-up fixture against Costa Rica.
Replacement targets and upcoming Arsenal fixture
Villa's management team point to goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez as evidence that player disputes can be resolved. A year ago, Martinez sought a transfer to Manchester United or Atletico Madrid and was dropped for a home defeat against Crystal Palace, yet remained at the club and helped Villa win the UEFA Europa League last season.
However, if Al Hilal withdraw their interest, Watkins could be left without a move. Should he remain at Villa Park, the club would offer him a contract extension, though signs of physical decline last season create concerns about a long-term commitment.
Villa have held informal discussions regarding Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, whom Emery previously coached at Villarreal. The club are also pursuing Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka and have held talks for Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez, who is currently recovering from an injury.
Aston Villa host Arsenal at Villa Park on Monday, with both Abraham and Madjo still doubtful through injury. Club officials are eager to resolve Watkins' future before kickoff to prevent the forward from facing potential hostility from home supporters during the opening home match of the season.
