Aston Villa’s Nicolas Jackson transfer interest could suddenly become much more urgent after Ollie Watkins reportedly gave the green light to a potential move to Al-Hilal.
Gianluigi Longari reports that the Saudi Pro League club are in discussions with Villa after receiving encouragement from Watkins over a possible transfer.
There is no agreement between the clubs and no confirmed fee at this stage.
But Villa have already prepared for the possibility of losing their leading striker, with Nicolas Jackson remaining one of the names under serious consideration.
The problem is that waiting for Watkins’ future to become clear could now carry its own risk.
Aston Villa Nicolas Jackson plan faces fresh competition
ReadAstonVilla reported last month that Jackson remains a long-standing target, with Villa assessing possible replacements in case Watkins or Tammy Abraham departed.
That contingency planning suddenly looks much more relevant.
Chelsea value Jackson at around £65million, and talkSPORT has reported that Villa could be forced to delay any move until later in the transfer window because of UEFA’s financial regulations.
Villa sold Morgan Rogers to Chelsea for a British-record £117m in July.
Further business between the same clubs within a relatively short period could affect how those transactions are treated for UEFA financial reporting, potentially reducing the immediate benefit Villa gained from the Rogers sale. That helps explain why Villa may prefer to wait before returning to Chelsea for Jackson.
Watkins potentially leaving makes waiting more uncomfortable.
Atletico Madrid could punish Villa delay
Jackson now has another possible destination.
Atlético Madrid are considering the Senegal international as they search for attacking reinforcements following Alexander Sørloth’s injury. There are no advanced negotiations, but Jackson is among the options being assessed by the Spanish club.
That distinction matters.
Villa are not currently losing a head-to-head race for Jackson.
They could, however, find themselves watching another club move while their own timing remains complicated.
Atlético want another striker before the market closes and Jackson already knows La Liga from his time with Villarreal, where he previously worked under Emery.
For Villa, that creates a potentially awkward sequence.
They may first need clarity over Watkins, then decide whether Jackson is the preferred replacement and finally find a deal structure which works within their financial constraints.
Atlético do not necessarily face those same obstacles.
Watkins decision could reshape Aston Villa transfer window
Losing Watkins would represent far more than another sale.
He scored 16 Premier League goals last season and remains Villa’s established focal point in attack.
Abraham also suffered an injury scare during the final pre-season game against Borussia Monchengladbach, while Brian Madjo is already expected to miss the start of the campaign.
Villa cannot afford to lose Watkins without a credible plan.
The club have already committed significant funds elsewhere, including the deal to bring Zion Suzuki to Villa Park, while Juventus walking away from Emi Martinez also removed another potential outgoing transfer.
Those moving parts make Watkins’ situation particularly important.
Villa have done the sensible work by identifying Jackson before an emergency arrived.
Now the emergency may be getting closer.
If Al-Hilal turn their interest into an acceptable Watkins offer, Villa may have to decide whether waiting for Jackson remains financially clever or suddenly becomes a transfer gamble.
