‘Aston Villa set for Ollie Watkins exit decision as Samu Aghehowa interest builds’
Aston Villa are set to decide on next season’s forward options amid Manchester United’s interest in Ollie Watkins.
The England international has been at the heart of the action for Villa as Unai Emery’s men have established themselves as a Premier League powerhouse and reached the Champions League quarter-finals last season.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are interested in Watkins, giving Emery an important decision to make ahead of next term.
The 29-year-old is Villa’s only proven Premier League goalscorer, after Marcus Rashford returned to parent club Manchester United, subsequently joining Barcelona on loan.
Aghehowa addition would test Aston Villa stance on Watkins sale
Amid interest from Manchester United, former Red Devils and Aston Villa scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider that Newcastle have targeted a move for Watkins.
Acquiring a new striker will be a priority for the Magpies if Swedish hotshot Alexander Isak joins Arne Slot’s Liverpool.
Meanwhile, according to the Daily Mail [July 30]: “Villa have made an enquiry for Porto forward Samu Aghehowa, who nearly joined Chelsea a year ago and is regarded as one of the most exciting No 9s in Europe.
The same article also stated: “The club also say Ollie Watkins is not for sale, although it will be interesting to see whether this position holds if Villa really want a new No 9.”
Aghehowa signing is a risk for Emery if Watkins is sold
Football Insider verdict
Aghehowa notched an impressive return of 27 goals and three assists in 45 competitions across all competitions for Porto last season.
The 21-year-old’s exploits in Portugal demonstrate plenty of promise, and Aston Villa could benefit from the services of another striker, having sold Jhon Duran to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr last January.
However, selling Watkins and replacing him with Aghehowa would be a major risk for Emery to take as he looks to further the progress he has made in the West Midlands.
| Samu Aghehowa stats | All competitions 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 45 |
| Goals | 27 |
| Assists | 3 |
The 21-year-old lacks any Premier League experience, whereas Watkins has established himself as one of the best strikers in the English top flight.
While Aghehowa’s return of 19 goals in 30 league appearances in Portugal last term is respectable, there is a gulf in class between the Portuguese top flight and the Premier League.
Furthermore, the former Deportivo Alaves man scored just eight goals in 34 La Liga appearances during the 2023/24 season, showing he has not previously performed outside of Portugal.
Meanwhile, Emery’s men have been backed to hand Lucas Digne a new contract in a Villa News exclusive.