Ollie Watkins contract situation baffles as development emerges from Aston Villa
We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park…
Alan Hutton isn’t sure why Ollie Watkins is yet to sign a new contract with Aston Villa.
On 1 May, The Athletic reported that Villa had opened talks with the 27-year-old striker, whose existing terms expire at the end of next season.
Watkins was linked with Manchester United [The Athletic] and Bayern Munich [Mirror] in the summer transfer window after a stunning 2022/23 Premier League campaign at Villa Park, where he netted 15 goals and supplied six assists in 37 appearances.
However, despite staying put in the West Midlands, Watkins is yet to sign a new contract.
John McGinn, Tyrone Mings and, most recently, Ezri Konsa have all penned fresh terms this year.
The Athletic reported on 20 September that Watkins is expected to be the next in line for a new deal at Villa Park but Hutton has some concerns about why it’s taken so long since talks opened almost five months ago.
“Watkins did very well last season,” Hutton told Villa News.
“He’s not scored as many goals at the start of this season as he would like but that’s what happens with strikers, they go through little spells.
“Still, he’s working hard for the team and he’s creating problems. He got that penalty and he’s still contributing, of course.
“I think he’s another one they would like to tie down to a long-term deal.
“I don’t know the reasons behind [the delay]. Is it length, is it wages? I genuinely don’t know. Maybe he’s holding out for something else.
“As I said before, for that to be available for you, you have to be playing at a high level so that’s only good for Aston Villa.
“Hopefully they can sort out him signing a new deal.”
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