Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins has found himself at the centre of a significant scandal after being left out of the squad for the Premier League opener against Brighton. The situation has sparked rampant speculation regarding the 30-year-old England international’s possible move to Saudi club Al-Hilal, who are reportedly keen on securing his services.
Speaking on BBC Sounds' Monday Night Club, former Premier League midfielder Andros Townsend expressed sympathy for Watkins’ position:
Watkins is no spring chicken, and he might be facing an enormous offer from Saudi Arabia. Reading between the lines, it’s easy to understand why he might want to accept such a proposal. Will he get a chance like this again? I think he feels that if he passes on this opportunity, it might not present itself again.
However, former Villa striker Chris Sutton was much more critical about Watkins’ decision, condemning his behaviour:
I think many Villa fans will feel that Ollie Watkins has let his manager down. He was needed by the team at that moment. He has a contract, and if he’s fit, he should be playing. The decision not to play was his alone.
Since making a record transfer from Brentford to Aston Villa in 2020 for £28 million, Watkins has been a pivotal player in the club’s successes. Last season, he featured in 61 matches for club and country, netting 23 goals. However, it appears that his days in the English top-flight may be numbered, and his refusal to play for the club that has been instrumental in his Premier League career marks a dramatic and scandalous chapter in his time at Villa Park.
