Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has revealed Ollie Watkins apologised after refusing to play against Brighton, as the England striker prepares to complete a £51m move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.
Watkins, 30, is expected in Saudi Arabia on Friday to finalise his transfer. Villa are also close to signing Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson for £65m as his replacement.
Emery said Watkins admitted he had made a mistake by making himself unavailable for Sunday’s match against Brighton. The Villa manager confirmed both he and the squad accepted the striker’s apology.
“He told us after the Brighton match he was sorry and that he had made a mistake. He was wrong, but we accepted it. The players as well,” Emery said.
Watkins leaves as Aston Villa’s record Premier League scorer, having netted 91 league goals. He scored 108 goals in all competitions after joining from Brentford for £28m in 2020.
Emery paid a heartfelt tribute to the forward, praising his contribution and character during his time at Villa Park.
“His commitment and behaviour was fantastic. He’s a fantastic guy — even more than a player,” Emery said. “I told him goodbye with a huge hug and with small tears.”
Villa are working to register Jackson in time for Monday’s Premier League meeting with Arsenal, while Emery acknowledged the club faces a significant rebuild following the departure of several experienced players from their successful 2025-26 campaign.
“We took decisions because it’s good for the club,” Emery said. “We don’t want to be a club that sells players, but the responsibility is there.”
He pointed to the financial value received for players in their late twenties and early thirties, including Watkins and Ezri Konsa, and said the sales reflected the squad’s progress under his management.
“We have to rebuild the team as fast as possible. The fans have to accept our way and why we are taking some decisions,” he added.
Villa have already strengthened their midfield, with Leon Goretzka completing a free transfer on Thursday after leaving Bayern Munich at the end of last season.
The Germany international won seven Bundesliga titles and the Champions League during his time at Bayern.
“He is a winner. He is very competitive and a good player to add to our squad,” Emery said. “He is versatile, fit and training well. Hopefully, on Monday, he can be on the field.”
