Aston Villa Star Ollie Watkins Linked with Sensational Summer Move Amid Champions League Frustration
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has reportedly emerged as a key transfer target in what could become one of the most eye-catching moves of the upcoming summer window.
The England international led the line for Unai Emery’s side on Saturday during their dominant 4-1 victory over Newcastle United at Villa Park. Watkins was among the goal scorers, alongside Ian Maatsen and Amadou Onana, with an unfortunate own goal from Newcastle defender Dan Burn further adding to Villa’s tally. Fabian Schär netted the sole goal for the visitors in an otherwise tough outing for the Magpies.
Despite his heroics in the Premier League, Watkins recently opened up about his disappointment regarding his limited involvement in Villa’s Champions League campaign. Speaking candidly to Sky Sports after the win over Newcastle, Watkins admitted he was furious with Emery for not starting him in either leg of their recent tie against Paris Saint-Germain.
“Champions League — it’s something we’ve worked incredibly hard for over the past few seasons,” Watkins explained. “To only play 20 minutes across both games against PSG was very frustrating. I’m not going to lie — I was fuming I wasn’t playing. I let the manager know how I felt. Of course, I respect his decision, he’s the manager, but I’m not the kind of player who’s content with sitting on the bench, especially not on a stage as big as the Champions League.”
Watkins’ competitive spirit and hunger for more playing time have reportedly caught the attention of one of England’s biggest clubs. According to The Daily Star, Manchester United are seriously considering a major swoop for the Villa talisman this summer. The proposed deal could include a significant cash sum along with Marcus Rashford as part of a swap package.
Rashford, who has struggled for consistency at Old Trafford, has shown signs of resurgence during his short loan stint at Villa Park following a surprise January move. The England forward’s form has reportedly impressed Villa’s coaching staff, and United may now be willing to part with him permanently if it helps them secure Watkins’ signature.
Watkins, who is under contract at Villa until 2028, has been in excellent form throughout the 2024/25 campaign. In 48 appearances across all competitions, the 28-year-old has recorded an impressive 16 goals and 13 assists, underlining his status as one of the Premier League’s most reliable attacking threats.
This isn’t the first time Watkins has been linked with a move away from the Midlands club. Arsenal have also previously shown interest in the forward, and with his performances continuing to turn heads, more suitors could emerge as the summer window approaches.
Further elaborating on his frustration at missing out on a starting berth against PSG, Watkins added: “There were a few of us who were disappointed not to be in the starting XI. I’ve been a key part of the squad that’s helped get us into the Champions League, so naturally I wanted to be out there from the start. While the team played well and we did win the home leg, we couldn’t get past them overall. I wanted to contribute more, especially in games that matter the most.”
As speculation over his future begins to mount, Watkins will be focused on helping Villa finish the season strong. Emery’s men face a tough test on Tuesday night as they travel to the Etihad Stadium to take on reigning champions Manchester City — another chance for Watkins to prove why he’s in such high demand.
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Ollie Watkins ‘to be used’ in sensational summer deal nobody saw coming after slamming Unai Emery in extraordinary post-match interview
