Ollie Watkins jaded at Aston Villa, it’s easy to see why
Ollie Watkins has yet to get going at Aston Villa this season after a summer of uncertainty.
The Villans remain the only team in England’s top seven leagues yet to score a goal in the league, with Unai Emery having issues to address.
Harvey Elliott was a bright spark against Brentford as Villa went crashing out of the Carabao Cup, and could start against Sunderland on Saturday.
Watkins was linked with moves to Manchester United and Newcastle over the summer, and the interest seems to have unsettled the striker.
Ollie Watkins yet to get going after summer transfer speculation
Watkins attracted plenty of interest over the summer after bagging 17 goals in the 2024/25 season.
Strike partner Morgan Rogers was also linked with a move to Tottenham, and summer speculation appears to have affected the duo.
According to the Daily Mail, three times since January, Watkins has thought he might leave Villa – twice for Arsenal, once for Manchester United.
Having missed out on Champions League football last season, the lure of Champions League football with Arsenal will likely have unsettled him.
- Manchester United ended up signing Benjamin Sesko instead
- Arsenal elected to sign Viktor Gyokeres
So often last season, Rogers was the provider for Watkins’ goals, and they have yet to get going this campaign.
There has been increased responsibility on England internationals’ shoulders since Jhon Duran left Villa Park in January.
Watkins suffered multiple injuries in February and March, including knee and groin injuries, with the striker scoring just four goals since.
Therefore, it is easy to see why the striker has yet to get up to speed this season, but more is to come from him.
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Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho to relieve pressure on Ollie Watkins
At 29 years old, Watkins looks less likely to get a move to a bigger club than Aston Villa as time goes on.
The striker has three years remaining on his current deal, and his long-term future looks to be at Villa Park.
The additions of Jadon Sancho and Elliott will relieve any pressure on Watkins’ shoulders.
Elliott can play as a number nine and provide Emery with an alternative option up front, but he can also play deeper and contribute to Villa’s forward line.
Sancho is another creative outlet on the wing and can tee up crosses that have been so rare for Aston Villa in recent weeks.
Emery’s side have been forced to play narrow, but with wingers now bedding in, it will create a different dynamic for Watkins.
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