At his age there's no guarantee his stock would be as high in future windows, especially if he has an underwhelming season. Now that all the big clubs have essentially signed strikers, I don't see what other PL club would opt for him outside of some late Chelsea transfer window shenanigans. I don't think clubs on the continent would be able to afford his fee either. Genuinely think Newcastle is his last shot at a big contract playing both PL and CL football before succumbing to the Saudi swansong phase of his career.
Ollie Watkins
- Thread starter Berbaclass
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Yeah, could be true. Still, I'd rather bank on myself and another good to great season at Villa, and then see what the market is. Being a year older and one year fewer on his contract, he might be more affordable to teams both domestically and abroad. If Gyokeres and/or Sesko don't work out and Villa allows Watkins to leave for a reasonable price, there's no reason it still couldn't happen. But yeah, his chances for a top transfer are growing more slim with every passing season. I'd still rather stay at Villa than move to Newcastle.
If Hojlund goes do you think we’ll get Watkins in to replace him?
Zirkzee is a number 10 & not really an out and out striker and Chido isn’t ready, we’ll need cover for Sesko or at least someone to cover the workload
Zirkzee is a number 10 & not really an out and out striker and Chido isn’t ready, we’ll need cover for Sesko or at least someone to cover the workload
That would make no sense.
No chance
The amount of people (including myself) who mix up West Ham and Aston Villa is pretty funny. I dont know why either, similar colors, level + 2-word names?
If they're signing Guessand for £30m then that's money they need to make back from sales if they want to register him for the Europa League.
I think this is why we thought Watkins could be available for a lower fee, they might end up needing to sell someone at the last minute.
I think this is why we thought Watkins could be available for a lower fee, they might end up needing to sell someone at the last minute.
I'm guessing he'll now stay at Villa in rotation with Guessand.
I think we dodged a bullet with this one. He turns 30 in December. We'd be stuck with him on high wages until he's 34 and well past his peak.
I think we dodged a bullet with this one. He turns 30 in December. We'd be stuck with him on high wages until he's 34 and well past his peak.
Time will tell, but Watkins looks slower than he used to be. He used to be gone when in open space, but he’s not looking like he has the higher echelon of acceleration that is generally associated with him.
Too early to state decline, but this is the slowest I’ve seen him.
Too early to state decline, but this is the slowest I’ve seen him.
Out of the Villa squad and leaving, probably to Saudi (!).
Never been as hot on him as others, but surely would be an amazing option to rotate with Sesko. I suppose he might be too expensive for that.
Never been as hot on him as others, but surely would be an amazing option to rotate with Sesko. I suppose he might be too expensive for that.
For the right price he’s a no brainer.
No tweet, who says we’re interested?
From last year perhaps?
Never had him as the Saudi type
Straight swap for Zirkzee - throw in Toby Collyer and Amass as well.
Agreed. I’d very happy with Watkins as rotation
Watkins can play wide on both sides and upfront so versatile. The existing Saudi link seems odd and surprising for him. I know Villa has links to Saudi and they’re constantly spinning PSR plates but Watkins doesn’t strike me as a blatant mercenary.
Age would be the downside but in modern football terms, he’s a bit of a late bloomer and didn’t really play top level football when COVID was happening and he was around 25 year old, so you could argue his mileage isn’t as high and he’s got more in the tank so to speak.
Age would be the downside but in modern football terms, he’s a bit of a late bloomer and didn’t really play top level football when COVID was happening and he was around 25 year old, so you could argue his mileage isn’t as high and he’s got more in the tank so to speak.
Age is likely why he wants to go. Last big contract and he’ll never get anywhere near equivalent in the PL.
He’s already agreed terms with Al Hilal. And there’s no way we can out bid them
They're looking at £40m+ for him, I don't think we'll look at spending that on a backup striker.
And he’s never going to displace Kane in the England lineup.
unless Arsenal comes in for him, he’s just going to chase the money.
For what they want for him and more than likely the wage he'd be after surely it's a no go? There's something about him that I've just never taken too, he gets goals but there's something off about him. Seems like he takes a few chances to get a goal and in this United side I don't know if a player like that is worth it.
Al Hilal are reportedly closing in on Martinelli too, not sure how realistic it is that they sign both
Yeah too far down the line with them, shame
He'd start for us, especially in the EPL. His numbers in the EPL are underrated.
Completely agree but we won't pay fee or wages
I don't think he's really what we need anyway.
It's more a presence when Sesko's not fit if anything.
It's more a presence when Sesko's not fit if anything.
Who do you feel is what we need?
Delap on loan with option
He’s exactly what we need. An experienced PL level striker that can share the goal scoring burden with Sesko.
Yes, and at age 30 - this is his last shot at making the best wages possible heading into retirement.
Does that Religion also come with its own Inquisition? Because that's what we need, if we're stupid enough to get anywhere near Delap.
Not sure who that player is admittedly but I'd probably rather have someone that's another physical presence up front to play when Sesko isn't fit instead of a threat in behind if anything. I think the games he will be best in are the sort of games where Cunha, Mbeumo etc. would already likely be okay rather than games like yesterday for example.
What is the fee meant to be and whats his wage? Can't be that high.
What are fans thoughts on all this? Surely that unhinged Emery interview doesn’t help.
Feels a bit like Martinez last season. He probably didn't refuse to play but Unai thought it was better to detach him from the group and take him out for a game. Our other two CFs injured so it backfired spectacularly.
I'm surprised he wants to go to Saudi personally although guessing his lack of minutes at the World Cup mean he's probably not that bothered about England given Tuchel completely ignored him even as sub option so might aswell make more millions in next 2-3 years like Toney is doing.
What is he good at apart from being a complete arsehole?
Fee around £50m mark, wages I presume are eye watering when it comes to Saudi Arabia unfortunately
Him and Hall would make this a great window. Wonder what the price would be.
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