Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has been linked with a move to Turkish club Fenerbahçe, but the Premier League side and the player himself are not expected to entertain the idea. Villa are understood to have no interest in allowing Watkins to leave, even if he were open to a move to Turkey, which seems highly unlikely.
Turkish media continue to link Watkins with Fenerbahçe
Despite Villa's stance, Turkish media outlets persist in connecting Watkins with Fenerbahçe, a club Villa defeated 1-0 in the Europa League league phase in January. On the Claret & Blue podcast, Dan Rolinson and John Townley discussed Watkins' situation, including his contract, his future, and why Villa would face a difficult decision if they let him go.
Watkins' contract and Villa's financial position
Watkins has two years remaining on his contract. Townley noted, "We've been here before... do you accept a bid now or give him a new deal?" He added, "I'd be absolutely staggered if he went to Fenerbahce." Townley emphasized the standard of the Turkish league and expressed surprise if Watkins would be willing to move, even for a lucrative offer. "Why would you sell him?" he asked, pointing out that selling for around £40 million would not allow Villa to find a better replacement. "None of this makes sense unless it's silly money, which it won't be."
Watkins' performance and value to Villa
Watkins, who will turn 30 later this year, has proven he remains at the top of his game. Townley said, "I think Watkins proved over the last few months that he's still at the top of his game. He still has a lot to offer." He noted that Watkins consistently delivers around 15 Premier League goals per season, which is invaluable. "Those goals could be the difference between Villa qualifying for Europe or even pushing for the Champions League. That's far more important than cashing in on him."
Contract decisions and squad management
Townley highlighted Villa's financial challenges and the need to extract value from the squad. He mentioned several players with two years left on their deals, including Cash, Konsa, Martinez, and Tielemans. "You either give them new deals - which will have to be lucrative - or you move them on." Moving players this summer would be more lucrative than waiting until next summer, but the priority is to keep the group manager Unai Emery wants together and improve the squad by trimming the lower end in terms of quality.
Rolinson's perspective on Watkins' future
Rolinson added that Watkins is unlikely to move his young family to Turkey. "It's not the right time in his career to do that. He can get his 100 Premier League goals next season. He needs nine more to reach the 100 Club." Rolinson suggested that Watkins might be pushing for a new contract rather than a transfer. However, he acknowledged the risk of tying Watkins down to a long-term deal that could see him through to age 34 or 35. "Maybe you just let him see out the next two years."
Conclusion: Watkins staying put
Both analysts agreed that selling Watkins would be a mistake unless an astronomical offer arrives, which is unlikely. Townley concluded, "If he's going to guarantee you those goals - and I think he almost is for the next couple of seasons - that's invaluable." Villa need to be in Europe for finances, player attraction, and club profile, and Watkins is central to that ambition.
