Ollie Watkins reacts to Amadou Onana’s new update as Aston Villa exit beckons
Ollie Watkins has reacted to a new update from teammate Amadou Onana amid rumours of his impending Aston Villa exit this summer.
Watkins netted double figures in league goals for the fifth successive season in 2024/25, further cementing his place as one of English football’s best strikers.
His impressive form at Villa over the last few years has led to rumours about a potential exit this summer, after Football Insider revealed in May that Arsenal were planning to reignite their interest in Watkins after the Villans knocked back a £50million offer from the Gunners for him in the January window.
They look to have moved onto a different target as Mikel Arteta’s side close in on signing Viktor Gyokeres, but Man United have since been linked with a move for Watkins as Ruben Amorim aims to overhaul his attacking options.
Football finance expert Stefan Borson recently revealed to Football Insider that Watkins’ arrival could cost United around £100m due to his likely wage demands, while they face competition for his services after the Mail recently reported that Watkins is also being targeted by Newcastle as a potential capture to improve their forward line.
Amadou Onana issues new update away from Aston Villa
Watkins remains a Villa player for now, but is seemingly not yet back in pre-season training with the club after a minor injury saw him ruled out of England duty last month.
Villa teammate Amadou Onana will also be yet to return to the club’s pre-season training after representing Belgium last month, with those of Unai Emery’s squad who were on international duty not expected back at their Bodymoor Heath facility until next week [Birmingham Mail].
Onana took to Instagram on Friday (11 July) to share an update of what he has been doing during the off-season, and Watkins moved to like his post in response, while former Villa loanee Marcus Rashford, Ibrahima Konate, Youri Tielemans, Jeremie Frimpong, Marco Asensio and Leandro Trossard all followed suit.
Watkins would be a smart signing for Man United
Football Insider verdict
Watkins’ talents have arguably been overlooked in the last few years, with his quick movement and finishing ability akin to that of some of the world’s best centre-forwards.
It was him who sent England through to the 2024 European Championships final last year with a great strike against the Netherlands, while his lethal touch in front of goal is clearly not his main standout attribute, after he won the 2023/24 Premier League Playmaker of the Season award for his 15 assists throughout the campaign.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 223 | 87 | 42 |
Football Insider recently revealed that Villa need to raise around £100m in player sales soon to comply with profit and sustainability rules (PSR), and so United need to jump at the opportunity to sign a striker of Watkins’ calibre while his Second City exit is on the cards.
The Red Devils have moved to bring in Matheus Cunha from Wolves this summer, while Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo is set for a move to Old Trafford soon, as revealed by Football Insider, and so bringing in Watkins too would likely complete Amorim’s desired overhaul of his attacking options.
His arrival at United would represent a huge upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund, who has been mooted to leave the Red Devils, and would give the club a huge boost next season as they look to return to competing at the right end of the top-flight.