Another transfer window, means more transfer drama.
This time it is Ollie Watkins’ name which is in the spotlight.
On BBC Sounds’ Monday Night Club, former Premier League midfielder Andros Townsend said he could “understand” why Watkins may want to pursue a move to Saudi Arabia.
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Townsend said: “He’s pushing on in age. He potentially has a huge offer from Saudi Arabia. Reading between the lines, you can understand from the player’s point of view why he might actually want to pursue this offer.”
Since Watkins’ £28m record arrival at Villa Park in 2020, the English forward has proved to be an integral piece of business in Villa improving their fortunes on the pitch.
However, the 30-year-old’s exclusion from the matchday squad against Brighton has led to fans thinking Watkins’ Villa career may be coming to an end.
Former Villa striker, Chris Sutton said: “It seems to me that a lot of Villa fans will feel that Ollie Watkins has thrown his manager under the bus.
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“They needed him in that moment. He’s under contract and if he’s fit he should play. He chose not to play.”
For club and country last season, Watkins featured in 61 games and scored 23 goals in all competitions.
However, his days in the top-flight may now be numbered as Al-Hilal target the former Brentford man.
“Will he get that opportunity again? I think he feels that if I let this offer go… It may not come again,” said Townsend.
Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds
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