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Emery Bids Emotional Farewell to Watkins as Villa Prepare for New Chapter

Posted : 28 August 2026

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has revealed that Ollie Watkins apologised to him and his teammates after refusing to play against Brighton as he prepared to leave the club for Saudi Arabia.

Emery accepted the striker’s apology and praised his conduct throughout his Villa career, describing Watkins as a “fantastic guy” and admitting he was emotional when saying goodbye.

Watkins is set to join Al-Hilal in a deal worth around £50m-£51m after becoming Villa’s record Premier League goalscorer with 91 goals.

His departure is being followed by the arrival of Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea, with Villa viewing the Senegal international as the replacement for their long-serving forward.

Emery defended Villa’s decision to sell several established players, arguing that the significant transfer fees received are important to the club’s rebuilding strategy.

The Spaniard also welcomed former Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka on a free transfer and said the experienced German can bring a winning mentality to the squad.

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