After securing Champions League football ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, Aston Villa will once again have to balance the demands of being successful in the Premier League and continentally.
Unai Emery has showcased he’s capable of matching the demands of the supporters at Villa Park, having claimed Europa League glory last campaign.
Over £80m has been spent on the likes of Johan Manzambi and Joao Gomes this summer, but further additions are expected to add depth to the manager’s squad.
Both players will be a key part of the manager’s squad this campaign, which could see them star alongside one player in the starting eleven in the West Midlands.
Why Watkins may struggle for Villa throughout 2026/27
Throughout recent seasons, Ollie Watkins has been Villa’s main talisman and has often stepped up to the plate and provided the goods on a consistent basis.
The Englishman has netted 65 goals across the last three seasons – the most of any player in Emery’s side – which highlights his importance to the club’s success in recent times.
However, despite his recent impressive form at Villa Park, the 30-year-old could struggle to replicate such form next season, with the attacking situation an alarming one.
Watkins is the club’s only senior centre forward who looks set to be on the books come the start of the season, with Tammy Abraham free to find another club before the window closes.
|
Most PL goals for Aston Villa (2025/26) |
|
|---|---|
|
Player |
Tally |
|
Ollie Watkins |
16 |
|
Morgan Rogers |
10 |
|
Emi Buendia |
6 |
|
John McGinn |
5 |
|
Donyell Malen |
4 |
|
Matty Cash |
3 |
|
Ross Barkley |
3 |
|
Amadou Onana |
2 |
Youngster Brian Madjo could be promoted to the senior ranks on a regular basis, but time will have to be given to the 17-year-old to make the desired impact in the West Midlands.
The extra games in Europe will add more pressure onto Watkins to deliver the goods, with the fixture congestion no doubt having an impact on performances.
As a result, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Villans hierarchy bringing in added reinforcements to try and strengthen the attacking department in the weeks ahead.
How Aston Villa could replace Watkins in the transfer market
There’s no denying that Villa are in need of added attacking reinforcements, but any new addition will certainly want to push Watkins for the starting role in Emery’s side.
Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has constantly been touted as an option this window, but any deal would have to be a permanent one after the loan signing of Alejandro Garnacho.
He’s not the only striker to appear on the club’s shortlist as of late, with Juventus forward Jonathan David another under consideration before the window slams shut.
It’s been reported by Gazzetta dello Sport via Sport Witness that Villa boss Emery is driving a move for the Canadian international, who is set to leave before the start of the season.
They also claim his wage demands could prove to be a stumbling block in any deal, but the player himself would be open to a move to the Premier League.
His experience within Europe could be vital to the Villans this summer, with the attacker able to get his career back on track upon any move to Villa Park this window.
However, such a move could have an effect on Watkins’ long-term future in the West Midlands, with David undoubtedly wanting to be the main talisman should he move.
When comparing the pair’s respective stats over recent seasons, the Canadian has actually managed to better the Englishman in various key departments.
David has netted at least 25 goals in three of the last four seasons, with Watkins only able to achieve such a feat once since his move to Villa in the summer of 2020.
Even last campaign, despite his struggles in Serie A, the 26-year-old Juve star did manage to outperform Watkins in key areas – including passes completed and chances created.
Both of the aforementioned areas showcase his ability to provide chances for those around him and offer a more well-rounded option for Emery in the final third.
David also actually achieved a better shot on target accuracy rate throughout the 2025/26 campaign, subsequently troubling the goalkeeper with more of his efforts on goal.
He’s previously showcased he’s capable of providing the goods within Europe’s top-five leagues, with former teammate Aissa Mandi hailing him as “one of the best strikers in Europe.”
It’s unclear how much a deal for the Canadian would cost this summer, but it would be a deal which is worth pursuing – with the positives there for all to see.
Watkins would undoubtedly lose out as a result of any deal, which could see the 30-year-old drop down the manager’s pecking order throughout 2026/27.
