Ollie Watkins was left out of Aston Villa's squad to face Brighton on Sunday, with the 30-year-old pushing to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal before the transfer window closes
Unai Emery press conference
Unai Emery's response - or lack thereof - was telling (Image: Stan Sport)
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Unai Emery hinted that Ollie Watkins refused to play in Aston Villa's humiliating 4-0 defeat to Brighton as the saga surrounding the striker's future turned sour. Watkins, 30, was absent for Sunday's drubbing, with Villa conceding all four goals inside the opening 31 minutes before going down to 10 men.
It was a nightmare start to a Premier League season ahead of which Villa have lost several key players. Ezri Konsa, Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers and Lucas Digne have all left the Europa League winners for pastures new.
And their rebuild looks set to get even tougher, as Watkins pushes to join Al-Hilal. The Saudi Pro League side have agreed personal terms with the England international, although they've seen four bids rejected.
Al-Hilal's most recent offer came in at £45million and it's thought that £50m would be enough for Villa to accept. But Emery said that 'silence' was the best way to respond to questions regarding Watkins' future and whether he refused to be involved on Sunday.
"This question is for him," the Villa manager replied. "I can answer only with my silence. I think you can call him and you can call his agent and he can respond. He can only explain his answer, I can't.
"The players here show their commitment and that is really fantastic. This is the way."
Watkins' absence left Emery without a recognised striker, with Brian Madjo having picked up an injury. Emiliano Buendia was used as a makeshift centre forward against Brighton, who steamrolled Villa.
When asked about the situation, Emery added: "Two strikers are injured and another striker gives his answer."
The Spaniard went on to say: "This problem [with the transfer market] we had every season and every season we overcame it. It's something we have to accept and always we reacted, especially the players.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 24: Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa applauds the fans after the team's victory in the Premier League match between Manchester City and Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium on May 24, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Aston Villa/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
Ollie Watkins wants to join Al-Hilal(Image: Aston Villa/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
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"This is something hard for us every year but we are calm. With this result, it's more difficult to explain but calm, work, be positive and find solutions for the next week and after the transfer window."
In his pre-match press conference on Friday, Emery made it clear that he didn't want to sell Watkins. "We have an issue with him, it's clear," he admitted.
"He is our player. We have had offers for him, I don't want to sell him but it can change because if it's a good option for him and the club and I can replace him in the squad, this is the routine we have and we did before with the players who are leaving."