‘Watkins fate is sealed’ as Aston Villa make Calvert-Lewin approach
Ollie Watkins’ future at Aston Villa has been up in the air for several months now.
The striker has just completed his fifth season in the famous claret and blue shirt, but he has been continually linked with a move away from B6 as his reputation has grown over the last few years.
Villa have now made an approach for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and that could have a telling impact on Watkins’ future ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Watkins to stay at Villa despite Calvert-Lewin move
Villa have been fending off sustained interest in Watkins from Manchester United, as Ruben Amorim’s side are keen to add the England international to their ranks.
However, the 29-year-old is a vital part of Unai Emery’s side, and can be relied upon to produce consistent and impressive numbers in front of goal year on year.
| Seasons | Apps | Goals | Assists |
| 2024/25 | 54 | 17 | 14 |
| 2023/24 | 53 | 27 | 13 |
| 2022/23 | 42 | 16 | 7 |
The Villans’ recent interest in Calvert-Lewin will undoubtedly prompt plenty of speculation as to what that could mean for Watkins, but at present, it feels unlikely to have much impact on Emery’s key man at all.
Marcus Rashford’s return to Manchester United has left the Spanish boss with few options who are genuinely capable of leading the line, especially on their own in a 4-2-3-1 system.
Morgan Rogers is capable of playing off the shoulder of another striker, but not really as the sole number nine. That leaves Donyell Malen as the only real alternative to Watkins, and you can’t get by with just two options at striker in today’s Premier League.
The situation surrounding Watkins could change down the line if Villa receive a major offer, but for now, there is little evidence to suggest that Calvert-Lewin’s arrival will do anything to push Watkins towards the exit.
He seems set to remain at Villa Park unless there is a huge change in the current landscape.
Calvert-Lewin could be a sensible gamble for Villa
Villa look set to face plenty of competition for Calvert-Lewin, with the likes of AC Milan and Newcastle also keen to make him an offer.
He would be a good option for the Villans to add to their attack, given that they would not have to part with any sort of transfer fee in order to bring him in.
The frontman has been plagued by injuries in recent years, but the financial aspect of the deal could make it a worthwhile gamble for Emery and Co. to bring him in.
Calvert-Lewin is still a threat on his day, and he is somebody who is capable of leading the line and bringing others into play if Villa could get him playing his best football once again.
He could even prove to be a perfect foil for Watkins to play off, should Emery decide he wants to play two up front at any stage.
Calvert-Lewin may not be the most glamorous signing in 2025, but he could be a shrewd piece of business for Aston Villa.
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