Emery dodges Watkins absence query after Villa's 4-0 Brighton loss
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins did not travel with the team for their Premier League match at Brighton, where Villa suffered a 4-0 defeat on Sunday. Watkins had only returned a few days earlier from his post‑World Cup summer break and is reportedly keen to join Saudi side Al Hilal, which has already had at least one bid rejected by Villa. When asked about Watkins’ absence, manager Unai Emery gave a cryptic reply: "This question is for him. Can you call him and ask him a question? So it was not your decision, it was his decision? Ask him. I can only answer it by silence."
The situation highlights growing uncertainty around Watkins’ future at Villa Park. His desire to move to Al Hilal could weaken Villa’s attacking options just as the new season gets underway, and the manager’s evasive answer suggests the player, not the coaching staff, made the call to miss the match. For Villa, losing a proven England international could affect both on‑field performance and squad morale, especially if the transfer saga drags on.
Will Aston Villa hold firm on their valuation, or will a revised Saudi offer convince them to let Watkins go? Fans should watch for any new bid from Al Hilal and Watkins’ own statements in the coming days.