Ollie Watkins Bids Farewell to Aston Villa Amid Saudi Move

Ollie Watkins has officially apologized for his absence during Aston Villa's recent match against Brighton, as he prepares to finalize a £51 million transfer to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. Manager Unai Emery expressed admiration for the striker's contributions during his tenure at the club, acknowledging Watkins as their record Premier League scorer with 91 goals.

Emery revealed that the team accepted Watkins’ regret over his decision not to play, highlighting his positive impact on the squad and their emotional farewell. "He’s a fantastic guy… I told him 'bye' with a huge hug and with small tears," he said.

As Villa gears up to replace Watkins, they are close to signing Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson for £65 million. Emery reassured supporters about the club's strategic decisions, emphasizing the need for a rebuild following the departure of key players. Amidst this transition, Leon Goretzka has joined Villa on a free transfer, adding depth and experience to the team.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk