King Exclusive: Big-name Aston Villa star ‘very interested’ in Man Utd move as talks held
Ollie Watkins’ Aston Villa Future in Doubt as Manchester United Circle: A Key Summer Decision for Unai Emery
Ollie Watkins could be heading for a shock departure from Aston Villa this summer, as Unai Emery looks to reshape his squad ahead of the new campaign. The England international has been a central figure in Villa’s rise under Emery, but financial pressures and interest from rival clubs may force the manager into a tough decision.
Villa turned down a last-minute offer from Arsenal for Watkins during the January transfer window, shortly after the club sanctioned the sale of Jhon Durán. Despite heavy interest, Villa remained firm on keeping their talisman at that time. However, circumstances have since shifted.
Watkins, who joined Villa from Brentford in September 2020, has played in every single Premier League match last season, finishing once again as the club’s top scorer—a feat he has achieved for five consecutive seasons. His consistency, availability, and goal-scoring ability have made him one of the most reliable forwards in the Premier League. Yet, due to the ongoing constraints of Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR), the 29-year-old may now be sacrificed to help balance the books.
Manchester United Monitoring the Situation
According to The Athletic (30 June), Watkins has emerged as a genuine target for Manchester United. The Red Devils are preparing for the possibility that Rasmus Højlund could depart this summer, and have begun scouting potential replacements. Watkins is reportedly high on their list.
There has already been contact between the two clubs. Aston Villa have made it clear that Marcus Rashford will not be joining them this summer, despite his name being floated as part of a potential swap deal. Reports from The Mirror suggest that Manchester United were willing to use Rashford in an exchange offer, but Villa are holding out for a straight cash deal, believed to be in the region of £60 million—a figure United are currently unwilling to meet.
Former Villa scout Bryan King, speaking to Villa News, believes Watkins would be very open to joining a club of United’s stature. However, he acknowledged that the proposed swap involving Rashford could complicate negotiations.
> “I’m sure Watkins would be very interested,” King said.
“However, would Rashford want to go back to Villa? How would they set a deal up if Rashford wants to go to Barcelona, for example?
That leaves Villa in a difficult position after they helped Rashford get his career back on track.”
A Crucial Dilemma for Emery
Selling Watkins would undoubtedly bring in a significant financial boost—especially with three years remaining on his current deal—but doing so would leave a major void in the squad. Villa are already short on centre-forward options, particularly after Durán’s exit, and finding a like-for-like replacement for someone of Watkins’ calibre would be a monumental task.
More than just a goal-scorer, Watkins plays a vital role in Emery’s tactical system. His movement off the ball, pressing ability, and link-up play have all been essential to Villa’s attacking structure. Losing him could disrupt the chemistry and effectiveness of the side, especially with Villa now regularly competing in European football.
In a market where reliable, consistent strikers are in short supply and high demand, Watkins is a rare asset. His exit would not only weaken the squad but also signal a shift in Villa’s ambitions.
As things stand, Villa appear reluctant to sell—but the situation remains fluid. Emery must weigh the financial advantages of cashing in on Watkins against the sporting risks of losing his most consistent performer. Much will depend on whether United can raise the funds or if another Premier League side makes a competitive bid.
This summer could ultimately decide whether Ollie Watkins continues to lead the line for Villa—or begin a new chapter at Old Trafford.