Watkins bombshell: Emery leaves star striker at home as Villa kick off at Brighton
Ollie Watkins has been omitted from Aston Villa’s matchday squad at Brighton, a glaring call from Unai Emery that pours rocket fuel on a transfer saga already running hot. It follows his absence from the UEFA Super Cup squad against Paris Saint‑Germain earlier this month, and you can’t help but wonder if we’ve already seen his last kick in claret and blue.
Emery’s big call and a makeshift frontline
Villa launch their Premier League campaign on the south coast without their England international spearhead, and the forward line looks improvised. With Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo both crocked, Emery has turned to Emi Buendia to operate through the middle. It’s a clever patch-up job, but hardly plan A for a side with top-four ambitions.
The head coach hasn’t ducked the issue. In his pre‑match briefing he acknowledged there’s a “situation” with Watkins, reaffirmed the striker remains a Villa player for now, and made it plain he won’t sign off on a sale unless the club can bring in a suitable replacement before the window slams shut at the start of September. In other words: not at any price, and only on Villa’s terms.
Saudi suitors circling — but the price isn’t right yet
Interest from the Saudi Pro League has cranked up the pressure. Al Hilal have already tested Villa’s resolve with bids of £38.5m and £45m — both rebuffed. Reports suggest Watkins, now into the final two years of his deal after knocking back fresh terms, is open to the move, but Villa are standing firm. The message out of Bodymoor Heath is consistent: no green light until a replacement is through the door.
If you’re weighing up where this one lands — stay or go — the market will be lively as ever. For a steer on value, have a look at our best betting sites.
Replacement radar: Chelsea’s Jackson in the frame
Villa have been linked with Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, who, under Xabi Alonso, is not expected to feature prominently at Stamford Bridge after spending last season on loan at Bayern Munich. The forward has been training away from the main group in the so‑called ‘bomb squad’, alongside Liam Delap, Axel Disasi and Mykhailo Mudryk — a clear sign the Blues are open to exits even as European football returns to the Bridge this season.
What it means for Villa and for Watkins
From a Villa perspective, this is a balancing act between short‑term competitiveness and long‑term planning. Emery knows losing your prime striker days before deadline day can derail a season; equally, an unhappy No 9 can be a handbrake. The omission at the Amex feels like a line in the sand and a nudge to would‑be buyers: pay the premium, or look elsewhere.
As for Watkins, he’s earned the right to consider his options after years leading the line with relentless running and reliable returns. If the numbers rise and Villa nail a replacement, a late‑window twist wouldn’t shock anyone. But if no deal materialises, don’t be stunned to see him back in the XI and firing — Emery made clear that if he stays, he plays. For now, the soap opera continues, and Brighton get Villa on a day when the headlines are all about who isn’t there.
