Headline: Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins Apologizes for Brighton Absence Amid Transfer to Al-Hilal
Manager Unai Emery confirmed that Ollie Watkins expressed regret for opting not to participate in Aston Villa’s match against Brighton on Sunday as he honored the departing striker in a heartfelt manner.
Emery commended the England forward’s conduct throughout his time at Villa and noted that both he and the team accepted Watkins’ apology for his decision to make himself unavailable for the match.
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The 30-year-old forward is set to travel to Saudi Arabia on Friday to finalize a £51 million transfer to Al-Hilal, while Aston Villa prepares to secure Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson for £65 million as his successor.
Watkins holds the title of Villa’s record scorer in the Premier League, netting 91 goals as part of an overall total of 108 across all competitions since joining from Brentford for £28 million in 2020.
“He told us after the Brighton match he was sorry and that he had made a mistake. He was wrong, but we accepted it. The players as well,” stated Emery.
“His commitment and his behaviour was fantastic. He’s a fantastic guy – even more than a fantastic player. I told him ‘bye’ with a huge hug and with small tears.
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“But now it’s a new chapter here with Nicolas Jackson.”
Aston Villa has reached an agreement with Jackson and is aiming to register the Senegal striker in time for the game against Arsenal on Monday.
“We took decisions because it’s good for the club,” Emery remarked.
“Of course, we don’t want to be a club that sells players, but the responsibility is there. It’s crazy money [for someone] 30 years old and £50 million for Ezri Konsa [who is 28].
“How we developed in the last year with some players and how we can sell some players now is completely the right decision.
“We have to rebuild the team as fast as possible. [Fans] have to accept our way and why we are taking some decisions.”
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As part of this rebuilding process, Leon Goretzka has completed his move on a free transfer to Villa on Thursday after departing Bayern Munich at the conclusion of last season.
The midfielder boasts an impressive record, having won seven Bundesliga titles and the Champions League during his time with Bayern.
“He is a winner. He is a very competitive player – a good player to add into our squad,” Emery added.
“He is versatile and arrives fit and training well. Hopefully on Monday he can be on the field.”
Manager Unai Emery said Ollie Watkins apologised for refusing to play for Aston Villa on Sunday as he paid an emotional tribute to departing striker.
Emery praised the England forward’s behaviour during his Villa career and said he and the squad accepted Watkins’ apology for making himself unavailable against Brighton.
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The 30-year-old is expected in Saudi Arabia on Friday to complete a £51m move to Al-Hilal, with Villa poised to finalise the signing of Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson for £65m as his replacement.
Watkins is Villa’s record Premier League scorer with 91 goals, part an overall tally of 108 in all competitions since signing from Brentford for £28m in 2020.
“He told us after the Brighton match he was sorry and that he had made a mistake. He was wrong, but we accepted it. The players as well,” said Emery.
“His commitment and his behaviour was fantastic. He’s a fantastic guy – a fantastic guy even more than a player. I told him ‘bye’ with a huge hug and with small tears.
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“But now it’s a new chapter here with Nicolas Jackson.”
Villa have agreed a deal for Jackson and are trying to ensure the Senegal striker is registered for Monday’s visit of Arsenal.
“We took decisions because it’s good for the club,” Emery said.
“Of course, we don’t want to be a club that sells players, but the responsibility is there. It’s crazy [money for someone] 30 years old and £50m for Ezri Konsa [who is 28].
“How we developed in the last year with some players and how we can sell some players now is completely the right decision.
“We have to rebuild the team as fast as possible. [Fans] have to accept our way and why we are taking some decisions.”
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As part of the rebuild, Leon Goretzka completed his move on a free transfer to Villa on Thursday after leaving Bayern Munich at the end of last season.
The midfielder won seven Bundesliga titles and the Champions League with Bayern.
“He is a winner. He is a very competitive player – a good player to add into our squad,” said Emery.
“He is versatile and arrives fit and training well. Hopefully on Monday he can be on the field.”
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