Watkins Apologises for Refusing to Play

Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has apologised to manager Unai Emery and his team-mates after making himself unavailable for the club’s match against Brighton.

The 30-year-old England international is expected in Saudi Arabia on Friday to complete a £51m move to Al-Hilal, bringing an end to his time at Villa.

Emery said Watkins admitted he had made a mistake after the Brighton match and that the manager and squad had accepted his apology.

“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,” Emery said.

Emery also praised Watkins’ conduct during his time at the club and said his departure was an emotional moment.

“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,” he said.

“But now it’s a new chapter here with Nicolas Jackson.”

Watkins is Aston Villa’s record Premier League goalscorer, with 91 goals. He has scored 108 times in all competitions since joining the club from Brentford for £28m in 2020.

Villa have agreed a £65m deal for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson as Watkins’ replacement and are working to ensure the Senegal international is registered in time for Monday’s home match against Arsenal.

Watkins is the latest experienced player to leave Villa during a summer of major change following the club’s successful 2025-26 campaign.

Emery urged supporters to trust the club’s transfer strategy despite the departure of several key players.

“We took decisions because it’s good for the club,” he 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.”

Emery said Villa’s ability to develop players and subsequently sell them for significant fees was part of the club’s long-term strategy.

“How we developed in the last year with some players and how we can sell some players now is completely the right decision,” he said.

“We have to rebuild the team as fast as possible. [Fans] have to accept our way and why we are taking some decisions.”

As part of that rebuilding process, Germany midfielder Leon Goretzka completed a free transfer to Villa on Thursday after leaving Bayern Munich.

Goretzka won seven Bundesliga titles and the Champions League during his time at Bayern.

“He is a winner. He is a very competitive player – a good player to add into our squad,” Emery said.