‘It’s definitely a PSR sale’ – Ollie Watkins could quit Aston Villa after deal agreed
Ollie Watkins could still leave Aston Villa before the end of the transfer window despite Jacob Ramsey’s departure.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 28 July Villa have told rivals Watkins could leave for the right price, but they have been surprised by the lack of interest in the striker.
Manchester United were linked with Watkins earlier this summer, but they decided to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig instead.
Villa have just sold academy product Ramsey to Newcastle United in a £40million deal as they look to improve their profit and sustainability (PSR) position.
Unai Emery’s side have faced PSR issues over the past couple of seasons, with top-flight clubs only permitted to lose £105million over a rolling three-year period.
Ollie Watkins interest expected as last-ditch deal on the cards
This article contains exclusive comment from Keith Wyness, former Everton, Aston Villa and Aberdeen CEO.
Football Insider revealed on 3 August Villa are doing everything they can to keep Morgan Rogers following interest from Chelsea.
Rogers is viewed as the most valuable asset at Villa Park, but Ramsey has been offloaded instead this summer.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness said: “I think it is because obviously Ramsey was an academy prospect that came through from Villa, so therefore the valuation really, it’s all profit that goes into the books.
“He’s a very important PSR sale, rather than just somebody that they’d already bought and paid a fee for, so that’s one of the best ones they could have sold.
“I know it’s a difficult one. He’s a young talent, but we’ve been saying all along through this window that it’s going to be a Morgan Rogers or a Jacob Ramsey or one of the young talents is going to have to go.
“It doesn’t seem the market is there for Watkins at the moment, but although I do still expect some movement for Watkins towards the end of the window, I think Ramsey is the one that is definitely a PSR sale and he’s one that I think they’d prefer not to have sold.”
Aston Villa advancing in talks to re-sign Marco Asensio
In terms of a potential incoming, Football Insider revealed on 14 August Villa are advancing in talks to re-sign Marco Asensio from PSG.
Emery is a big fan of the Spain international, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Villa Park, registering eight goals and one assist in 21 appearances.
PSG are believed to be open to agreeing a cut-price deal for the 29-year-old, with his contract expiring in June 2026.
For more Aston Villa and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.