Ollie Watkins responds after Aston Villa transfer agreed
Aston Villa players were quick to react on social media as the club confirmed a fresh arrival ahead of the new season.
Aston Villa have had a relatively quiet start to the summer window, with financial issues overshadowing the side’s transfer activity.
Football Insider exclusively revealed that Aston Villa could be forced to offload key players as sanctions from UEFA and the Premier League loom.
In a move to ease the financial pressure, Aston Villa sold their women’s team to V Sports — the club’s ownership group — to remain within the league’s PSR guidelines.
Still, despite the uncertainty surrounding potential outgoings to raise funds, Unai Emery’s side remain active in the market and have now confirmed their second signing of the summer, which is a deal that drew plenty of attention from the squad.
Aston Villa confirm Marco Bizot signing
Aston Villa have officially confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Marco Bizot from French side Brest.
The club announced the deal on Instagram with the caption: “Aston Villa is pleased to announce the signing of Marco Bizot from Stade Brestois.”
Villa players quickly showed their support for the new addition, with both Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey among those who liked the post.
Football Insider revealed that Bizot is not being brought in to replace Emiliano Martinez, but rather to take over from Robin Olsen as second-choice goalkeeper.
Martinez has been heavily linked with a move away from Villa Park this summer, with both Manchester United and Atletico Madrid showing interest — although neither club has made a formal bid so far.
Bizot, meanwhile, played a key role in Brest’s impressive 2023/24 campaign, which saw them qualify for the Champions League.
The Dutch international featured 41 times in all competitions last season, including nine appearances in Europe’s top competition. The 34-year-old previously played for AZ Alkmaar and brings a wealth of experience to Emery’s squad.
| Season statistics | Marco Bizot |
| Appearances | 41 |
| Goals conceded | 68 |
| Clean sheets | 12 |
Man United face stumbling block in Ollie Watkins pursuit
While Watkins showed support for Villa’s latest signing, his own future remains up in the air.
While Ruben Amorim’s side are interested in the England international, Football Insider has revealed that Man United need to sell Rasmus Hojlund before launching a move for the Villa striker.
Additionally, financial constraints may delay or even block the move. Former financial advisor Stefan Borson told Football Insider that Watkins could cost the Man United up to £100 million once his wages are factored in, meaning significant funds would need to be raised before any formal approach.