Unai Emery Suggests Ollie Watkins Declined Aston Villa’s Match Against Brighton Amid Al Hilal Transfer Rumors
UNAI EMERY indicated that Ollie Watkins may have opted out of playing for Aston Villa.
The Villa manager noted that he was unable to explain the reason behind Watkins’ absence from the squad during their significant defeat at Brighton.
The 30-year-old striker Watkins has been rumored to be in discussions with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal this summer.
The Villans are reported to have turned down FOUR offers for the England international.
When asked about Watkins’ absence, Emery responded: “This question is for him. I can’t answer. I can only reply with my silence.”
When pressed on whether Watkins refused to play, Emery added: “I think you can call him. You can reach out to his agent, and he can respond.”
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“It is not my responsibility. Only his response can bring clarity. I can’t.”
“I can discuss Emiliano Buendia, Ross Barkley, John McGinn.”
“Nevertheless, this issue has occurred every season, and we have managed to overcome it.”
“It’s something we must accept, and we have always responded.”
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Before the match, Emery simply responded “silence” when asked if Watkins had ended his time at the club.
Watkins’ absence, coupled with injuries to Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo, forced Emery to assemble a team without a recognized striker against Brighton.
Brighton netted four goals in just 25 minutes, with Jack Hinshelwood and Maxim De Cuyper on the score sheet.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was also absent from Villa’s squad as he considers a possible transfer.
Emery has also lost Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa, and Youri Tielemans from his Europa League-winning team.
Additionally, new £34 million signing Joao Gomes will miss Villa’s next home match against Arsenal after receiving a red card for kicking out at Georginio Rutter.
Concerning his team’s disappointing performance, Emery remarked: “We made mistakes that led to their goals.”
“In the first 20 to 25 minutes, we lost everything; it was an unusual and strange situation.”
“Conceding four goals is abnormal based on my four years here.”
“Moreover, the red card significantly affected our emotions.”
Captain John McGinn issued an apology to the traveling supporters.
He stated: “The goals we conceded were unacceptable. We sincerely apologize to our fans.”