Aston Villa: Ollie Watkins would find it ‘very difficult’ to reject Liverpool transfer
Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins would find it “very difficult” to say no to Liverpool should they come calling in the summer, according to Don Goodman.
Watkins has scored 16 goals and assisted 10 in the Premier League this season to help propel Villa’s charge for Champions League football.
The 28-year-old’s 26 direct goal involvements is the best in the division, two more than Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah.
With Salah’s future at Anfield uncertain beyond this season, Watkins seems an obvious replacement for Liverpool to move for as a replacement.
Speaking to Villa News, Goodman said: “When you look at his numbers in the Premier League, there’s just no doubt he will be sought after.
“Everybody needs a number nine, and they are incredibly rare. They don’t grow on trees and the traditional number nine is now a dying breed.
“If Liverpool do come calling, how is he going to turn that down? That would be very, very difficult.“
Ollie Watkins leads the way among Premier League players
Goodman added: “I’d like to think that his head is fully with Aston Villa at the moment so that he can drive them to the Champions League.
“He’ll also want to keep his form going so that Gareth Southgate has no choice but to select him for the Euros. That will be his motivation now.
“He is in the best place at this moment, under the best manager for him in Unai Emery.
“It’s been a pleasure to watch his journey. I remember watching him play for Exeter City in League Two and then going to Brentford.
“He set the Championship alight and has continued his development at Aston Villa. It’s been brilliant to watch and I’m pleased for him.
“It highlights that there are some gems in the Championship. There’s still a Premier League snobbery to not look at the Championship for talents.”
Ollie Watkins contract details at Villa Park
Watkins really is in the form of his life right now, with his 16 top-flight goals already bettering his previous career best of 15 in 2022-23.
With nine away Premier League goals in total this campaign, including two at Luton Town over the weekend, he is also level with Dwight Yorke (1997-98) for the most ever by a Villa player.
The England international has been incredibly prolific and, while not a like-for-like Salah replacement, has many similar qualities.
If not Liverpool, then you can be certain a team such as Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester United will be weighing up a move for Watkins.
Villa did well to tie Watkins down to a new deal recently that runs through to 2028, meaning any bids this summer will have to be huge.
If Champions League football is secured, there is no reason for Watkins to move elsewhere to further his career.
Instead, playing under one of Europe’s most revered coaches and for a fanbase that loves him, Watkins can continue his trajectory at Villa Park.
In other Aston Villa news, Goodman believes the Villans may already have their first summer transfer target lined up.
For more Aston Villa news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.