Aston Villa expect Al Hilal to pay their £50 million asking price for Ollie Watkins as the Saudi club prepares a fifth bid for the England forward. Watkins is keen to move to Al Hilal due to a higher salary offer, and the Villa hierarchy have held firm on their valuation despite four previous bids being turned down. The club are also pursuing a £65 million signing of Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea, who would effectively replace Watkins if the deal goes through.
What does Watkins' potential departure mean for Villa's attack?
Ollie Watkins, 29, has been a key figure for Aston Villa since his arrival, contributing goals and work rate from the front line. His desire to join Al Hilal stems from improved financial terms, though Villa remain unwilling to lower their £50 million demand. Should he depart, Nicolas Jackson would step in as a direct replacement, bringing Premier League experience from his time at Chelsea. The club’s recruitment team see the Chelsea striker as a viable option to maintain attacking output.
How are other Premier League clubs moving in the transfer window?
Liverpool are exploring alternative wing options after Brighton held firm on their £80 million valuation for Yankuba Minteh, the 22-year-old Gambian winger who is out until October with injury. Liverpool had initially hoped to sign Minteh for around £50 million but now face a significantly higher asking price. Meanwhile, Celta Vigo are understood to be interested in Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic, though no formal approach has been made. Nottingham Forest have opened talks with Celta Vigo for right-back Javi Rueda, discussing an £8 million offer for the 25-year-old who joined from Real Madrid in 2024.
What is the latest on Jack Grealish and Everton’s interest?
Jack Grealish, the 30-year-old Manchester City player, returned to the first-team fold and appeared as a substitute in City’s first two games of the season. He spent last season on loan at Everton, where chief executive Angus Kinnear confirmed they have remained in contact. Manchester City have not ruled out a permanent sale, another loan, or an option to stay, and coach Enzo Maresca said after Sunday's win over Bournemouth: 'He is here and it is my duty to coach Jack and to try to get the best. Then it is one more week to go and we will see what happens. Not only with Jack but also other players.'
Where does Aston Villa stand ahead of their next fixture?
Aston Villa currently sit 20th in the Premier League with 0 points from 1 game, having scored 0 and conceded 4, leaving them 3 points behind leaders Brighton. Their next fixture is at home against Arsenal on 2026-08-31, and the outcome of ongoing transfer talks could shape the squad available for that match. Fans can stay updated on developments through our squad and fixtures pages as the window progresses.
