Unai Emery hints Watkins refused to play after Brighton loss

Unai Emery hinted that Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins may have refused to play after a 4-0 loss to Brighton, amid reports of a £34m bid from Saudi club Al-Hilal. Watkins was omitted from the squad despite no injury, and Villa rejected multiple offers. Brighton’s win featured an own goal by Victor Lindelof and a red card for Joao Gomes.

Emery hints at Watkins’ reluctance

Unai Emery said he could only remain silent about whether Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins refused to play after the club’s 4-0 defeat to Brighton. The manager added that the question belonged to Watkins or his agent, and that he could not explain the striker’s absence.

Watkins omitted despite no injury

Watkins was left out of Villa’s squad for the match, even though the club’s other forwards, Brian Madjo and Tammy Abraham, were injured. Villa officials confirmed that Watkins is neither ill nor injured, but he had not trained fully in the week before the game. Villa’s representative has been contacted for comment.

Saudi interest and rejected bids

Al-Hilal has made four offers for Watkins this month, the latest reportedly around £34 million. Villa have rejected all of them, saying the Premier League side will not sell the England striker for that price.

Brighton’s dominant win

Brighton’s 4-0 victory was one of Villa’s worst performances under Emery. The hosts went 4-0 up in just over half an hour, with Victor Lindelof’s own-goal, Maxim De Cuyper’s tap-in and a rapid double from Jack Hinshelwood. Joao Gomes was sent off on his Premier League debut, giving Brighton a man-advantage that proved decisive.

Villa’s transfer-window woes

The club has sold roughly £250 million worth of talent this summer, including Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa. Watkins and Emi Martinez could follow. Emery joked that the transfer window should always be closed, noting the difficulties it creates for players and the club’s mentality.

Brighton’s squad challenges

Brighton also lost key men in the match. Defender Victor Lindelof’s own-goal and the red card for Joao Gomes left the side with a man down. Fabian Hurzeler said the club’s other key players, Yankuba Minteh and Carlos Baleba, were injured, with Minteh’s ankle issue being a concern.