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Ollie Watkins’ Future at Aston Villa Uncertain Amid Saudi Interest
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Another transfer window brings its share of speculation, with Ollie Watkins currently in the spotlight. On BBC Sounds’ Monday Night Club, former Premier League midfielder Andros Townsend expressed understanding regarding Watkins’ potential interest in a move to Saudi Arabia.
Townsend stated, “He’s pushing on in age. He potentially has a huge offer from Saudi Arabia. Reading between the lines, you can understand from the player’s point of view why he might actually want to pursue this offer.”
Since joining Aston Villa for a record £28 million in 2020, Watkins has emerged as a key figure in the club’s resurgence. Nonetheless, the 30-year-old’s absence from the matchday squad against Brighton has led some fans to speculate that his time at Villa may be coming to an end.
Former Villa striker Chris Sutton commented, “It seems to me that a lot of Villa fans will feel that Ollie Watkins has thrown his manager under the bus. They needed him in that moment. He’s under contract and if he’s fit he should play. He chose not to play.”
During the last season, Watkins participated in 61 matches, scoring 23 goals across all competitions. However, his future at the top level may be uncertain, especially with Al-Hilal reportedly targeting him. Townsend noted, “Will he get that opportunity again? I think he feels that if I let this offer go… It may not come again.”
Listeners can follow the latest updates by tuning into the full episode available on BBC Sounds.
Another transfer window, means more transfer drama.
This time it is Ollie Watkins’ name which is in the spotlight.
On BBC Sounds’ Monday Night Club, former Premier League midfielder Andros Townsend said he could “understand” why Watkins may want to pursue a move to Saudi Arabia.
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Townsend said: “He’s pushing on in age. He potentially has a huge offer from Saudi Arabia. Reading between the lines, you can understand from the player’s point of view why he might actually want to pursue this offer.”
Since Watkins’ £28m record arrival at Villa Park in 2020, the English forward has proved to be an integral piece of business in Villa improving their fortunes on the pitch.
However, the 30-year-old’s exclusion from the matchday squad against Brighton has led to fans thinking Watkins’ Villa career may be coming to an end.
Former Villa striker, Chris Sutton said: “It seems to me that a lot of Villa fans will feel that Ollie Watkins has thrown his manager under the bus.
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“They needed him in that moment. He’s under contract and if he’s fit he should play. He chose not to play.”
For club and country last season, Watkins featured in 61 games and scored 23 goals in all competitions.
However, his days in the top-flight may now be numbered as Al-Hilal target the former Brentford man.
“Will he get that opportunity again? I think he feels that if I let this offer go… It may not come again,” said Townsend.
Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds
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