Aston Villa key player wants to leave club for Saudi pro league after being left out of their match-day squad as feels he is no longer needed in the team
Ollie Watkins is pushing for a move to Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal after being left out of Aston Villa’s matchday squad for their Premier League opening fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion. The 30-year-old England striker reportedly feels his time at Villa Park is drawing to a close as talks over a lucrative transfer enter a critical final stage.Squad Omission Triggers RiftTensions escalated ahead of Villa’s season opener on Sunday when head coach Unai Emery omitted Watkins from the 18-man matchday squad entirely, opting to start playmaker Emiliano Buendía up front instead. The decision came amidst a wave of squad turnover and growing interest from the Middle East.When pressed on whether Watkins had refused to travel or play, Emery offered a telling reaction:
“This question is for him. I can answer only with my silence… I think you can call him and you can call his agent and he can respond.”
The manager’s cold response underscored the rift between player and club as Villa suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat away at Brighton without their chief goalscorer.Al-Hilal Push to Complete TransferAl-Hilal have been pursuing Watkins as a marquee signing to bolster their front line under Simone Inzaghi, particularly as the Saudi side seeks a long-term replacement for Karim Benzema. Personal terms between Watkins and Al-Hilal have already been agreed, leaving the final transfer fee as the primary hurdle.While Villa previously rejected opening bids—including an initial proposal worth €45 million (£38.5m)—negotiations remain ongoing as the transfer deadline approaches.End of an Era at Villa ParkSince joining Aston Villa from Brentford in 2020, Watkins has established himself as a club legend, registering 108 goals and 47 assists in 278 appearances. However, with two years remaining on his contract, the emergence of younger attacking talents, and widespread squad restructuring, Watkins feels he is no longer viewed as indispensable to Emery’s long-term tactical blueprint. A move to Riyadh now appears the most likely outcome for all parties before the summer window shuts.
