Villa News exclusive with Ollie Watkins and Donyell Malen.
(Credit: Imago)
Evan Shaw
Sat 9 August 2025 7:10, UK
Ollie Watkins’ future has been one of the major talking points of the summer at Aston Villa.
The frontman has been consistently linked with an exit ever since Unai Emery opted to bench him for Marcus Rashford in the quarter-final of the Champions League.
Newcastle are the latest club to make Aston Villa sweat over Watkins, while Manchester United had also held a sustained interest in him earlier in the summer.
The Villans have had limited ability to strengthen their squad this summer, but a major sale from within their squad would help to unlock their spending capabilities once again.
Ollie Watkins England Aston Villa
Watkins has been heavily linked with a move away from Villa. (Credit: Imago)
This article includes exclusive comment from former Aston Villa scout Bryan King.
Watkins to stay at Villa despite encouraging Malen displays
Donyell Malen has been in excellent form for Villa throughout pre-season, and he has further reinforced the idea that he would be capable cover for Watkins if he were to depart.
The Dutchman has predominantly played on the right-wing since his move from Borussia Dortmund in January, and after a bright start last term, he looks set to take his performances to the next level this time around.
Malen hit three goals from just two Premier League starts after his January move
He now has two goals and two assists from four pre-season games
He provides Emery with even more depth to play as a striker
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That could leave Emery with a decision to make regarding Watkins, as the Spanish boss now knows that he has capable cover for the 29-year-old if the club does choose to sell.
However, ex-Villa scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Villa News – believes Watkins is very unlikely to leave, and also feels that his performances will be elevated even further by Malen’s form.
“If Watkins is going to move on, I can’t see it happening before January,” King said.
“Why would Villa want to get rid of a player of his quality?
“He’s always going to score you goals, if he’s playing.
“To have a player behind him like Malen, who is putting pressure on him, that can only add to Watkins’ performances.
“I’d be very surprised if they got rid of him (Watkins).”
Donyell Malen Aston Villa
Malen’s form could help elevate Watkins to a new level. (Credit: Imago)
Guessand gives Villa excellent attacking depth
Evann Guessand’s recent arrival at Aston Villa adds even greater depth to their attacking options.
The B6 outfit now have an array of quality at the top of the pitch, with Watkins, Malen and Guessand all capable of leading the line at the top level, as well as the possibility of using Morgan Rogers through the middle if necessary.
It’s not been an easy summer for Emery and Co., but if they could get to the end of the transfer window with Watkins still in their ranks, it would arguably be just as good as any possible new signing they could have made.
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