Ollie Watkins' future at Aston Villa has been thrown into fresh doubt after former striker Dean Saunders admitted he would not be surprised to see the England forward leave the club before the summer transfer window closes. Speaking to LiveFootballTickets, Saunders suggested that Villa's recent willingness to sell key players makes a move increasingly likely. His comments have intensified speculation that the 30-year-old could be the next high-profile departure from Villa Park.
Watkins, 30, has two years remaining on his contract at Villa Park. He has previously attracted interest from Arsenal and Manchester United, while Turkish club Fenerbahce are also keen on signing him this summer. The wide range of admirers has kept the striker's future at the centre of attention as the deadline approaches. The uncertainty over his future has already sparked intense debate among the Villa faithful.
Eight goals from Premier League history
Despite the speculation, Watkins remains on the verge of a significant individual milestone. He is just eight goals away from joining the Premier League's 100-goal club, a group reserved for the most prolific strikers in English top-flight history. Only a select group of forwards have reached that landmark, and Watkins appears destined to join them if he maintains his current form. His overall record for Aston Villa stands at 108 goals in 278 appearances in all competitions, underlining his consistency and eye for goal.
That pedigree is precisely why clubs are circling. The prospect of signing a player who is already close to a century of Premier League goals makes Watkins an attractive proposition for any team looking to strengthen their attack.
The timing of any potential move is also crucial. With the summer transfer window set to close at the end of August, clubs are running out of time to complete their business. For Watkins, a decision may need to be made quickly if an offer arrives. At 30, this could be his final chance to secure a move to a club competing for the sport's biggest honours.
Villa's summer exodus continues
Aston Villa have already lost Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans this summer, with Lucas Digne widely expected to join Paris Saint-Germain. These departures have set a precedent, as Saunders pointed out. If the right bid arrives for Watkins, the club may well accept it.
Saunders told LiveFootballTickets: "If Ollie Watkins left Villa, it would be a massive blow to the team. However, I can see exactly why top clubs like Liverpool and Man United are sniffing around him."
Saunders heaps praise on Watkins
The former Villa man was full of praise for the striker's attributes. "Ollie is a manager's dream. He works his socks off when his team don't have possession, he runs in behind defences when they do, and he knows where the net is," Saunders said.
He added: "He is a streaky scorer, and once you get him firing, he can get you seven in seven he's that good. That kind of effort both on and off the ball with his scoring ability makes him one of the rarest types of strikers in the world. He'd be a real asset for any Premier League club." Those comments will only heighten the sense that Watkins is being prepared for a potential exit.
Villa's stance: any player can go
Saunders also addressed Villa's transfer policy directly. "I think Villa have proven that for the right bid they will let anyone go," he said. "I wouldn't be surprised if a 'big club' snapped up Ollie before the end of the window."
That comment reflects the growing belief that Watkins could indeed be on the move. Villa have shown they are willing to do business, and with the window nearing its end, a late offer could test their resolve. In such a market, no player is truly untouchable. The club's hierarchy will be braced for offers as the deadline ticks down.
What happens next?
The next few weeks will determine whether Watkins remains in the Midlands or embarks on a new challenge. At 30, he is in the prime of his career, and the chance to join a club competing for silverware might prove too tempting to turn down. Alternatively, he could stay at Villa and aim to reach 100 Premier League goals in a claret and blue shirt.
For now, supporters can only wait and see. But as Saunders suggests, a transfer before the deadline would come as no surprise to those who know the club's willingness to sell. The coming weeks promise to be decisive for both player and club. Whatever the outcome, Watkins' contribution to Aston Villa will not be forgotten. His goal-scoring record speaks for itself, and if he does leave, he will do so with the thanks of supporters who have seen him light up Villa Park over the years. It would be a dramatic end to a saga that has simmered all summer.
