Aston Villa Face Ollie Watkins Bombshell as £65m Replacement Emerges After Shock Saudi Decision
Aston Villa Face Ollie Watkins Bombshell as £65m Replacement Emerges After Shock Saudi Decision
Aston Villa could be facing a huge late-window headache. Ollie Watkins is now seriously considering a move away from Villa Park, with Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal pushing hard to sign the England striker. Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Watkins is keen on the switch, putting the final decision firmly in Villa’s hands. Al-Hilal have already submitted an official €45m package including add-ons, after previous approaches were rejected.
The interest is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Watkins has been a key figure for Villa since arriving from Brentford in 2020, developing into one of the club’s most reliable goalscorers. He has scored 108 goals in 278 appearances for the Midlands side, making the possibility of his departure a major blow to Unai Emery’s plans. Yet Al-Hilal appear determined to get their man, and Watkins’ willingness to consider the move has suddenly changed the situation.
But Villa are not simply preparing to lose their striker without a plan. Romano has indicated that Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson is among the names being considered as Watkins’ potential replacement. Jackson is a player Emery knows well from their time together at Villarreal, while Villa have already shown interest in bringing him to Birmingham. Reports suggest the 25-year-old is also open to the possibility of joining Villa, although a transfer fee still needs to be agreed.
That is where the situation gets particularly interesting. Jackson could reportedly cost around the £65m mark, meaning Villa would have to make a major investment to replace their long-serving striker. The club also has to consider the timing of the deal, with UEFA financial rules potentially affecting how a Jackson transfer is accounted for following Morgan Rogers’ move to Chelsea. Villa have therefore been linked with waiting until later in the window before making their move.
For now, Watkins’ future remains in Villa’s hands. Al-Hilal have made their intentions clear, and the striker is reportedly attracted by the opportunity to move to Saudi Arabia. Villa, however, still have the power to say no. The next few days could therefore decide whether one of their biggest stars stays at Villa Park—or whether Emery is forced to welcome a familiar face in Jackson as the man tasked with filling some very big shoes.
