Al Hilal are currently engaged in a protracted and highly competitive transfer window, intensifying their efforts to retain England striker Ollie Watkins, after offering a staggering £38 million for the player’s services. Watkins, a 30-year-old Englishman, demonstrates a considerable degree of openness to potential moves, a situation that has prompted Aston Villa to aggressively pursue his continued presence at Villa Park. The striker’s recent performance has been particularly noteworthy, showcasing a consistent record of goal-scoring, matching his Premier League output from the previous campaign with only Erling Haaland and Mo Salah managing more than 77 goals across their last five seasons.
Watkins’ departure from Salzburg for the Super Cup clash with Paris Saint-Germain last week represents a significant setback for Aston Villa’s attempts to retain him. However, the club’s plans remain focused on ensuring his availability for the team’s Premier League opener against Brighton this Sunday. Despite the initial attempt at a straight loan proposal, negotiations have reportedly progressed significantly for the 28-year-old to join Unai Emery’s squad, indicating a level of commitment from Villa.
Since joining Aston Villa in 2020 from Brentford, Watkins has established himself as a consistent contributor, demonstrating a strong aptitude for delivering goals. Villa have been closely monitoring the prospect of securing a move for Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson this summer, a conversation which gained significant momentum in recent weeks. The club’s pursuit of a long-term deal for Jackson is a key factor in their strategic approach to retaining Watkins.
Villa have already secured a loan agreement with West Ham defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, with a clause stipulating a purchase option valued at £18 million. The agreement is contingent on a medical examination on Wednesday. Daily Mail Sport reported last week that Villa were in a strong position to secure Watkins, highlighting his considerable market value.
The situation has evolved considerably since the initial offer from Al Hilal. Villa are now exploring alternative avenues, including a potential direct loan proposal, but the negotiations are currently progressing at a steady pace. The potential for a lucrative deal remains a key objective for Villa, given Watkins’ proven record and his significant contribution to Aston Villa’s Premier League team.
Furthermore, reports suggest that Watkins is considered a valuable asset to Villa’s squad, and the club’s management is actively assessing his long-term future within the organization. The prospect of a significant upgrade in salary and contract terms, potentially leading to a more lucrative deal, is being considered as the club continues its efforts to retain the talented striker. The club is actively pursuing a plan to ensure Watkins remains a key component of Villa’s squad for the remainder of the season.
As of today, Watkins’ current contract at Aston Villa runs until the end of the 2024-2025 season. His contract is valued at £600,000 per year, making him one of the club’s highest-paid players.
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Source: Sport
