Watkins Apologises to Villa Ahead of Al Hilal Move

Ollie Watkins apologised to Aston Villa after missing the club’s opening Premier League game and is preparing to leave for Al Hilal, manager Unai Emery said on Friday. BBC Sport reported that Watkins acknowledged he had made a mistake, clearing the air before an expected move to the Saudi Pro League club.

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The England striker was absent when Villa began their league campaign with a 4-0 defeat at Brighton on Sunday. Emery declined at the time to give a direct explanation and directed questions toward Watkins and his representative, leaving uncertainty over why one of Villa’s leading players had not been involved.

Emery has now said Watkins expressed regret after the game. The manager added that the forward’s conduct and commitment had otherwise been excellent throughout their time working together, and that both the coaching staff and the squad accepted his apology. Emery described an emotional farewell in which the pair embraced before Watkins’ departure.

Watkins is set to join Al Hilal in a deal reported at £50 million. The move will end his Aston Villa spell with the forward established as the club’s record Premier League goalscorer. His exit comes after the opening-weekend controversy but Emery made clear that he does not believe the incident should define Watkins’ wider contribution.

Villa have agreed to sign Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea as a replacement in attack. Emery said the Senegal international could be available for Monday night’s match against reigning Premier League champions Arsenal, giving the club an immediate option as it adjusts to the change at centre-forward.

The transition forms part of a wider summer rebuild at Villa Park. Six players who started last season’s Europa League final victory have left: Watkins, Morgan Rogers, Emiliano Martinez, Ezri Konsa, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne. Emery said the departures reflected decisions made for the club’s benefit, while maintaining that Villa’s priority remains to compete and continue developing the reshaped squad.