Strike at Villa Park! Watkins refuses to play and skips the Brighton humiliation
Aston Villa's worst opening day in years came without the man who could have prevented it, by his own choice.
Details: According to reports, Ollie Watkins refused to play for Aston Villa against Brighton, with Unai Emery confirming the striker was not available for selection amid ongoing transfer interest. Villa have rejected multiple offers for the 30-year-old, but his future at the club is now increasingly uncertain.
The striker is pushing for a move to Al-Hilal, who have already seen at least four bids rejected, the latest worth around £45 million, while Villa countered with a new contract offer until 2030 that Watkins has so far ignored. Emery was brutally honest after the match, saying only the player himself can explain his absence, and Villa crashed 4:0 without him, conceding all four goals before half-time.
Villa are already preparing for life after their talisman: the Europa League winners are expected to move for Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson, valued at £65 million, if the Saudi deal goes through. It's worth noting that Watkins has led Villa's attack for six consecutive seasons, and losing him days before the deadline would leave Emery with a giant hole to fill.
Reminder: Here we go! Villa snatch Wan-Bissaka from West Ham.
Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
