Unai Emery has told Ollie Watkins to explain why he missed Aston Villa’s 4-0 defeat at Brighton as fresh reporting reveals the club have rejected four bids from Al-Hilal. Despite the striker’s absence from the matchday squad and his desire to move to Saudi Arabia, Villa and Al-Hilal are not currently close to a transfer agreement.
Watkins did not travel to the Amex Stadium for Villa’s Premier League opener on Sunday.
His omission immediately attracted attention because Al-Hilal continue to pursue the England international, with Villa already rejecting an improved £45million offer.
Emery was repeatedly asked to explain the striker’s absence after the game.
“This question is for him,” the Villa boss said.
When pressed further, Emery added: “Ask him. I only can answer it by silence.”
Emery tells reporters to ask Watkins about Aston Villa absence
Emery’s answers leave major uncertainty surrounding Watkins heading into the final days of the transfer window.
Sky Sports reports that Watkins remains keen on joining Al-Hilal, while talks between the Saudi club and Villa are continuing.
The 30-year-old only returned to training during the week leading into the Brighton fixture following his post-World Cup break.
However, Emery declined to say whether Watkins was unavailable because of his physical condition or the transfer situation.
The Guardian reports that Emery went further during his post-match media duties by suggesting reporters contact Watkins or his agent for an explanation.
That does not confirm that Watkins refused to play, and Villa have made no such allegation.
It does leave the striker facing questions over exactly why he was missing.
Aston Villa reject four Al-Hilal bids for Watkins
There is also important clarification over the state of the transfer.
The Independent, citing the Press Association, reports that Villa have now rejected four bids from Al-Hilal.
Crucially, a transfer agreement is not currently close.
That provides important context after Watkins’ absence appeared to raise the possibility of an imminent departure.
Villa’s position on the player’s valuation has remained strong despite Watkins wanting the move.
The club previously rejected Al-Hilal’s latest £45m proposal and have been exploring several possible replacements in case their stance eventually changes.
Villa have enquired about Joshua Zirkzee, while Jean-Philippe Mateta and Nicolas Jackson are also among the forwards under consideration.
Aston Villa need striker clarity after Brighton defeat
Watkins’ absence was particularly damaging at Brighton.
With Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo also unavailable, Villa started without a recognised senior striker and were eventually beaten 4-0.
Emery praised the commitment of the players who did feature but refused to provide the explanation for Watkins’ situation himself.
Villa now have little more than a week before the transfer window closes.
Four Al-Hilal offers have been rejected and an agreement remains some distance away.
The immediate question is therefore no longer simply whether Watkins will leave Villa Park.
It is whether he will return to Emery’s squad while negotiations continue.
