One of Aston Villa’s biggest names has been linked with a surprise exit from Villa Park.
Reports suggest the club may entertain bids of around £35m for a key performer when the January window opens.
According to Football Insider journalist Wayne Veysey, Villa could be prepared to part ways with Ollie Watkins after five-and-a-half standout years in claret and blue—if the right offer lands. Watkins originally arrived from Brentford for a deal worth £28m, rising to £33m, and has since surpassed every expectation, driving the club to European football three times and leading their charge to last season’s FA Cup semi-final and Champions League quarter-final.
Report claims Ollie Watkins could leave Aston Villa in January
Football Insider claims Villa will listen to bids of £35m or more for Watkins this winter.
Back in January 2025, Arsenal made a late push to sign the England striker, with offers believed to reach £50m, but Villa refused to sell—especially as Jhon Duran was already nearing a departure and Unai Emery was unwilling to lose both forwards.
Jamie Carragher revealed on The Overlap that Villa were more receptive to selling Watkins than publicly suggested. “When people talk about Arsenal going for Ollie Watkins, I was told Aston Villa offered him to Arsenal,” Carragher said.
“I don’t think Arsenal were the ones making the first move. They didn’t sign him because their bid—about £50m—wasn’t enough. If I’ve heard this, then his agent has too. Villa have invested heavily and need to recoup funds. Ideally, they’d probably sell Watkins and keep Duran, who’s only 21.”
In the end, Villa sold Duran to Saudi Arabia, while Watkins battled Marcus Rashford for a starting berth.
Why Aston Villa must not sell Ollie Watkins — opinion
If there’s any truth to the rumours of Watkins leaving mid-season, it would be a major misstep by Villa.
Although the striker isn’t hitting his best form—just three goals in 20 appearances—his recent brace against Brighton showed he remains a serious threat when in rhythm.
Watkins is Villa’s top Premier League-era scorer and one of their most reliable forwards in two decades. A £35m fee undervalues him significantly, even at 29. Consider that Yoane Wissa, the same age and in the final year of his contract, moved to Newcastle for £55m with far less Premier League pedigree.
Watkins still has two and a half years left on his contract, which runs until 2028. For now, he should remain the club’s main striker, not a player they look to cash in on.
Last season he delivered 24 goal contributions—16 goals and eight assists—in 38 matches, and he is still capable of returning to similar numbers as the campaign progresses with a World Cup approaching.
