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SportsOllie Watkins returns to training, apologizes to Aston Villa teammates; club eyes replacements
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Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins returned to training on Monday and apologized to his teammates after missing Sunday's 4-0 defeat to Brighton for personal reasons. The Athletic reports that Watkins had previously made clear his desire to leave the club, and Villa rejected a fourth £45 million bid from Al Hilal. Head coach Unai Emery refused to confirm whether Watkins asked not to play, directing questions to the player and his agent. Villa has offered Watkins a new contract until 2030 but is preparing contingency plans for his departure, with Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson as a primary target. Other options include AC Milan's Rafael Leao and Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Source report
Source: The Athletic / Hupu Football News
Hupu, August 25th — Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins returned to training on Monday and apologised to his teammates after missing Sunday's Premier League match against Brighton & Hove Albion for personal reasons, according to The Athletic UK's Aston Villa correspondent Jacob Tanswell.
Multiple sources speaking anonymously confirmed that Watkins rejoined the squad on Monday and issued an apology following Villa's 4-0 defeat to Brighton.
The Athletic previously reported that Watkins did not train with the team before the opening match of the season, having made clear his desire to leave the club. Earlier this summer, Villa rejected a fourth bid from Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal for the striker, valued at £45 million.
Emery Refuses to Comment on Watkins' Absence
After the Brighton match, head coach Unai Emery declined to confirm whether Watkins had personally requested not to play.
"You should ask him. I can only stay silent," Emery said.
When asked directly if Watkins had refused to play, Emery replied:
"I think you should contact his agent and let him answer. Only he can explain his reasons; I cannot."
He added:
"In the past three years, until the transfer window closes, we have faced similar issues. The players who were on the pitch today showed the spirit I want from the team. Even though we lost today, they didn't complain or blame each other."
Contract and Future Uncertainty
Aston Villa have made clear their intention to keep Watkins and have offered him a new contract extending to 2030. However, his future remains uncertain.
Although Villa view Watkins as a bridge between Emery's coaching eras amid significant squad changes this summer, the club is preparing contingency plans for his departure. Among the main targets is Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson.
Other options under consideration include:
- Rafael Leão (AC Milan) — Villa have expressed interest but have not yet made formal contact with the club
- Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)
The Athletic has contacted both Aston Villa and Watkins' agent for comment.
Source: The New York Times Posted in Shanghai | Reads: 790
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虎扑 - 足球Neutral / independent
Part of this Story
Ollie Watkins Transfer to Saudi's Al Hilal Nears Completion After Villa Rejects Bids