Watkins' departure would cut deepest - and Villa did not see it coming
· Sports · BBC Sport
Aston Villa has rejected four transfer offers from Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal for striker Ollie Watkins. The latest bid from the Saudi side was valued at nearly £40 million, a figure that remains significantly below Aston Villa’s valuation. Watkins, who has scored 108 goals in 278 appearances for the club, is currently training alone and is understood to be open to the move. Head coach Unai Emery declined to explain the striker's absence from the team's 4-0 loss to Brighton on Sunday. The club has not provided a timeline for a potential resolution as the transfer deadline approaches next Tuesday.
Why it matters
The departure of their record Premier League goalscorer would significantly impact Aston Villa's attacking depth and squad stability for the current season. The transfer saga creates uncertainty for the club's leadership and fans as they navigate a high-profile exit during the final days of the window.
Read the original report — BBC Sport
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