Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Fri 8 May 2026 10:15, UK

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Ollie Watkins has been linked with a move away from Aston Villa this summer, but he was absolutely superb as they beat Nottingham Forest 4-0 on Thursday to make it to the Europa League final.

The striker opened the scoring when he tapped in Emi Buendia’s fired pass across the box, with the Argentine stepping up himself to double the advantage from the penalty spot.

As the visitors chased the game, Watkins capitalised on a fast break to lay the ball off for John McGinn and claim an assist when the Scot made no mistake.

The Villans captain was at it again just three minutes later, firing past Stefan Ortega from the same position and sending his team to the final.

Villa transfer chiefs may still need to ask the question of Watkins this summer, but he has proven his ability to contribute.

Ollie Watkins impresses vs Nottingham Forest

Former scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider last month that Unai Emery could step in to prevent Watkins’ sale this month, with the Spaniard representing his biggest supporter.

Despite periods of bad form this season, including the beginning of the campaign, in which the striker scored just once in his opening 13 Premier League games, the 54-year-old has stuck with him.

And he was rewarded on Thursday when Watkins starred to help send Villa to the Europa League final.

The 30-year-old has well and truly turned up for the knockout stages of the competition, scoring five goals and providing two assists since his team emerged from the group stage.

Thursday’s display was another highlight for the England international, who did his bit throughout the game.

Watkins racked up 0.95 expected goals (xG) from four shots, completed a dribble and was fouled once on the night.

And he got stuck in, winning 100 per cent of his aerial duels, making two interceptions and an impressive five recoveries.

Watkins to stay put at Aston Villa

There have been concerns surrounding Watkins this season, especially when he started the season looking like a completely different player from the one who starred in the last campaign.

But in the second half of the season, the England international has been one of the few players to maintain their level while Villa struggled.

On Thursday, the 30-year-old proved that he is still the man for the big occasions, and that the Villans would be mad to lose him this summer.

If Emery has anything to do with it, Watkins will stay at the club and likely see out the remainder of his contract to 2028.