Aston Villa are preparing for a frantic conclusion to the transfer window, with Unai Emery’s squad potentially facing further major changes at both ends of the pitch.
Their 4-0 opening-day defeat at Brighton exposed the risks attached to such an unsettled summer, although the performance came against the backdrop of several injuries, new arrivals and uncertainty surrounding important players.
Ollie Watkins was missing at the Amex as Al-Hilal continue their attempts to take him to Saudi Arabia.
Al-Hilal’s opening proposal was worth approximately £38.5 million, while subsequent reports have placed their latest bid closer to £45 million.
|
Ollie Watkins’ career stats for Aston Villa |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Season |
Appearances |
Goals |
Assists |
Goal involvements |
Goals per appearance |
Premier League goals |
|
2020/21 |
40 |
16 |
5 |
21 |
0.40 |
14 |
|
2021/22 |
36 |
11 |
2 |
13 |
0.31 |
11 |
|
2022/23 |
40 |
16 |
6 |
22 |
0.40 |
15 |
|
2023/24 |
53 |
27 |
15 |
42 |
0.51 |
19 |
|
2024/25 |
54 |
17 |
14 |
31 |
0.31 |
16 |
|
2025/26 |
55 |
21 |
5 |
26 |
0.38 |
16 |
|
Aston Villa total |
278 |
108 |
47 |
155 |
0.39 |
91 |
The Saudi club, though, reportedly remain confident talks could finally produce an agreement.
Villa are already exploring possible replacements and Nicolas Jackson is prominent among them.
Chelsea value the Senegal international at around £65 million and want a permanent sale. Villa are reportedly willing to consider a deal in that region if Watkins departs, with Jackson’s previous relationship with Emery at Villarreal an important factor.
Jackson can stretch defences with his pace and movement, but committing £65 million would still represent a substantial gamble. He spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich, while Villa must also decide whether replacing their proven scorer with a younger but less reliable finisher would improve Emery’s attack.
The club have consequently kept alternative plans alive.
Villa have made an approach for AC Milan winger Rafael Leão and reportedly had an offer rejected for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Their late business is not limited to forwards, however.
Villa also require another central defender after Ezri Konsa completed a £51 million move to Arsenal.
Aston Villa chiefs travel to Club Brugge to finalise Joel Ordóñez deal
Sky Switzerland journalist Sacha Tavolieri reports that Villa representatives have travelled to Belgium to advance a deal for Club Brugge defender Joel Ordóñez.
Discussions centre on an initial loan carrying an obligation to buy for around £26 million, with some reports claiming Ordonez has already agreed to the move by shaking hands on personal terms.
The two clubs must still settle the conditions that would turn the temporary deal into a permanent one. That clause could be linked to appearances or another achievable sporting target, although its precise terms haven’t been revealed just yet.
Ordonez is a 22-year-old Ecuador international who stands at 6 ft 2 in and developed into one of Belgium’s most valuable young defenders since graduating from Club NXT into the senior side.
His recovery speed, strength and willingness to defend aggressively would suit Emery’s preference for pushing his defensive line forward.
Ordóñez also has Champions League and World Cup experience, but would still need time to adjust to the pace and physical pressure of English football.
Villa’s proposed structure should reduce the immediate cash burden while also securing a long-term Konsa replacement.
With Watkins’ future unresolved and several attacking negotiations running alongside this one, Villa’s final week promises to be extremely busy.
