Ollie Watkins' time at Aston Villa could be up, with the striker reportedly choosing not to play in Sunday's match, but the transfer saga has turned ugly as questions about loyalty cut both ways.
Watkins, 30, is a live transfer target for Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal and is being offered a huge contract that would represent a fantastic pay day for a player who has battled his way up from non-league to reach the very top of his career. The England striker is described as a nice, understated but determined player who does not seek the spotlight, though his time at Villa has seen ups and downs.
Emery's post-match comments
After Villa lost 4-0 at Brighton, manager Unai Emery hinted heavily - but did not say outright - that Watkins refused to play. Emery's comments have made Watkins the villain of the piece, with the striker caught in the crossfire and now public enemy No.1.
The Villa manager is known as a bad loser, so determined to win that he was visibly fuming after the Brighton game. The club has been left in a bit of a mess by a messy transfer window which has seen big-name departures including Youri Tielemans, Ezri Konsa, Lucas Digne and Morgan Rogers, with Emiliano Martinez likely to follow.
A two-way street
Watkins has largely been on the up when on the pitch, working hard, scoring goals and giving his all for the team, helping Villa qualify for the Europa League and the Champions League. The downs have come when he has been dropped, left out on numerous occasions, and when players are axed no-one stands up for them.
Villa denied Watkins a move to Arsenal in January 2025 when the Midlands club did need to sell, eventually selling Jhon Duran to balance the books. Watkins was priced out of a move but, like all players, is a commodity owned by his club - until they don't want him, and then he is discarded.
Many players will feel as if they need to move on, and clubs are more openly courting transfer targets even if they are under contract. Every club does it, and if that turns a head - especially when a move would be for life-changing money - the player probably is not in the right frame of mind to play. But the player will also recall the last time they were dropped and ask their own questions about loyalty. It must be a two-way street, though Villa fans might not agree right now.
