Emery refuses to explain Watkins’ absence
Aston Villa’s Premier League opener could hardly have gone worse. Emery’s side were beaten 4-0 at Brighton, João Gomes was sent off on his debut and Villa were forced to play without a recognised senior striker. Yet much of the discussion afterwards centred on one player who never appeared at the Amex Stadium.
According to Sky Sports, Watkins did not travel with the squad while talks continued over a possible move to Al-Hilal. The England international is understood to be keen on the transfer, but Villa have so far refused to sanction his departure. Sky Sports: Emery gives cryptic answer over Watkins absence
Emery’s response only intensified the story. Asked why Watkins was missing, the Spaniard said: “This question is for him. I can answer only with my silence.” When specifically asked whether the striker had refused to play, Emery suggested journalists should speak directly to Watkins or his agent rather than providing an answer himself.
It was an extraordinary position for a manager to take publicly, particularly with the transfer window close to its conclusion. Emery did not accuse Watkins of refusing to play, but he also made no attempt to shut down that interpretation.
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Al-Hilal have already been rejected
The Saudi interest is not new. According to Sky Sports, Al-Hilal opened negotiations with Aston Villa after identifying Watkins as a major attacking target and had a €45 million, around £38.5 million, offer rejected. The same report stated that Watkins was keen on the move and that Villa would need to find a replacement before allowing him to leave. Sky Sports: Al-Hilal in talks with Aston Villa over Watkins
The pressure has continued to build. Press Association reporting carried by The Independent says Villa have rejected four approaches from Al-Hilal and that an agreement is still not close. The Independent: Watkins must explain Villa absence, says Emery
Emery had already acknowledged before the Brighton match that there was an “issue” surrounding the striker. He insisted that he did not want to sell Watkins but admitted that could change if the move suited the player and Villa, and if the club were able to replace him.
That final condition is crucial. Brian Madjo and Tammy Abraham were both carrying injuries against Brighton, leaving Emiliano Buendía to operate as an emergency forward. Selling Watkins without another striker ready to arrive could leave Villa dangerously short in a season that also includes European football.
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Losing Watkins would change Villa’s attack
Watkins is not simply another forward in Emery’s squad. Since arriving from Brentford in 2020, he has become one of the Premier League’s most consistent goalscorers and one of Villa’s defining players.
Stats Perform figures cited by SoccerNews show that Watkins has scored 108 goals in 278 appearances for Villa in all competitions. His Premier League record is even more revealing: since the beginning of the 2020/21 season, Watkins has scored 91 league goals, with only Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland scoring more during the same period. SoccerNews: Emery tells reporters to ask Watkins’ agent
Last season alone, Watkins scored 16 Premier League goals and earned a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup.
Villa are already going through substantial change. Their summer has included several significant departures, while Emiliano Martínez is also linked with an exit. The 4-0 defeat at Brighton showed how quickly that transition can become painful when experienced players disappear faster than replacements settle.
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Watkins now sits at the centre of the biggest decision.
Villa can continue rejecting Al-Hilal and attempt to reintegrate a striker who appears attracted by the Saudi move. Or they can accept a major offer and gamble on finding an adequate replacement before the window closes.
After Emery’s remarkable refusal to explain Sunday’s absence, however, this no longer feels like an ordinary transfer rumour.
The relationship between Watkins and Aston Villa suddenly looks considerably more fragile.
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