Ollie Watkins is expected to leave Aston Villa this summer, with the England striker reportedly closing in on a £51 million move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
Villa manager Unai Emery has revealed that Watkins apologised to his team-mates after making himself unavailable for the recent Premier League match against Brighton.
The 30-year-old is expected to travel to Saudi Arabia to complete the transfer, bringing his five-year spell at Villa Park to an end.
Emery said Watkins admitted that he had made a mistake after refusing to play, with the manager and the rest of the squad accepting his apology.
Despite the incident, Emery praised Watkins for his contribution to the club and described him as a “fantastic guy” whose character stood out even beyond his performances on the pitch.
Watkins leaves Aston Villa after five years
Watkins joined Aston Villa from Brentford in 2020 for £28m and has since established himself as one of the club’s most important players.
He became Villa’s record Premier League goalscorer after scoring 91 goals in the competition. His overall record stands at 108 goals in all competitions.
His departure is expected to mark another major change for Villa following a successful 2025-26 campaign.
Emery acknowledged that selling established players can be difficult for supporters but defended the club’s approach, arguing that significant transfer fees can help finance the rebuilding of the squad.
Nicolas Jackson set to replace Watkins
Villa have agreed a deal worth around £65m to sign Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea as Watkins’ replacement.
The club are working to complete the Senegal international’s registration in time for Monday’s Premier League meeting with Arsenal.
Villa have also added former Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka on a free transfer as Emery continues to reshape his squad.
The manager believes Goretzka’s experience, versatility and competitive nature will provide another important option for the team.
Watkins’ expected move to Al-Hilal will therefore close one chapter at Villa while Jackson’s arrival signals the beginning of a new era in attack.
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