Aston Villa Rejects Multiple Bids for Ollie Watkins, Offers New Contract
Aston Villa has made its stance clear regarding striker Ollie Watkins, having already declined three offers this summer. According to a report by John Townley on X, the club has also proposed a new contract for the player, extending until 2030.
Aston Villa aims to retain their key attacking asset, despite ongoing interest from Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal. The club has confirmed that Al-Hilal has reached a basic agreement on personal terms with the 30-year-old Watkins and has submitted a formal offer valued at €45 million, around £38.5 million. However, Villa is standing firm, seeking a fee closer to €60 million, approximately £51.4 million. They have thus far rejected all proposals.
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T4O take: Aston Villa are right to dig their heels in and here’s why
On June 23, 2026, Ollie Watkins represented England in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match against Ghana at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. With impressive statistics to back him up, Watkins concluded the 2025/26 Premier League season with 16 goals and three assists over 37 games, along with five goals and two assists in 15 Europa League fixtures, helping Villa secure European silverware. These accomplishments highlight his significant contribution to the team, making his potential departure a critical concern for the club.
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Al-Hilal’s initial bid of £38.5 million is viewed as inadequate for a player of Watkins’ caliber. Although he is 30, he showcased his skills on the international stage at the 2026 World Cup and has accumulated 24 caps for England, which suggests his value remains high.
Villa previously allowed Ezri Konsa to transfer to Arsenal for £51 million. Parting ways with Watkins at a reduced price could send a negative message to the squad regarding the club’s ambitions as they prepare for elite European competition. Under manager Unai Emery, Watkins has become an integral part of a system that relies on his pressing ability and pace during transitions.
While the lucrative Saudi contract is enticing for Watkins, his departure would severely impact the team’s dynamics unless a direct replacement, like Nicolas Jackson, is secured first. Aston Villa is determined to maximize their return, and the current offer of £38.5 million falls significantly short of that target.
Aston Villa have made their position unambiguous. The club have already turned down three separate offers for Ollie Watkins this summer window, and according to a report published by John Townley on X, they have also moved to offer their striker a new contract running until 2030. The intention is clear.
Aston Villa are trying to keep their most important attacking player, despite sustained pressure from Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal, who have agreed personal terms in principle with the 30-year-old and submitted a formal package worth €45 million, approximately £38.5 million, for his signature. Villa, for their part, are holding out for something closer to €60 million, which translates to around £51.4 million. The club have rejected every approach so far.
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T4O take: Aston Villa are right to dig their heels in and here’s why
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 23: Ollie Watkins #19 of England arrives at the stadium before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between England and Ghana at Boston Stadium on June 23, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
Aston Villa stepping into Champions League football next season with a gaping hole up front is a genuinely disastrous prospect. Watkins finished the 2025/26 campaign with 16 Premier League goals and three assists across 37 appearances, added five goals and two assists in 15 Europa League games, and played a direct role in Villa lifting European silverware. These are numbers you don’t replace with a phone call in late August.
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Al-Hilal’s opening bid of £38.5 million for a player of this quality is, frankly, an insult dressed up in dirhams. He’s 30, yes, but he represented England at the 2026 World Cup, featured in a third-place match against France, and has 24 international caps. His value isn’t declining; it’s proven.
Villa already sanctioned Ezri Konsa’s departure to Arsenal for £51 million. Letting Watkins follow him out at a knockdown rate would communicate something ugly to the dressing room about the club’s actual ambitions heading into elite European competition. Emery has built a system where Watkins’ pressing metrics and transitional pace are structural necessities, not decorative extras.
The tax-free Saudi contract reportedly tempts Watkins. That’s understandable, completely. But unless a proven, ready replacement like Nicolas Jackson arrives first, letting him leave tears the engine out of the machine. Villa must extract maximum value, and right now, £38.5 million doesn’t come anywhere near it.
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