Watkins set for Al-Hilal after apology to Emery

A tearful hug and a heartfelt apology mark the end of Watkins' Villa career.

O. Watkins

player

View profile →

What happened. Ollie Watkins is leaving Aston Villa for Al-Hilal in a £51m move, after apologising for refusing to play against Brighton.

• Watkins is Villa's record Premier League scorer with 91 goals.
• Villa are signing Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson for £65m as replacement.
• Emery accepted the apology and praised Watkins' commitment.

“He told us after the Brighton match he was sorry and that he had made a mistake.”

— Unai Emery

Watkins is expected in Saudi Arabia on Friday to complete the move.

In this story

O. WatkinsAston VillaUnai Emery

More to read

The Guardian

‘Call his agent’: Emery feels Watkins should explain absence from Villa’s rout by Brighton

Mirror Football

Unai Emery makes Ollie Watkins feelings clear after star missed Aston Villa's drubbing

Sky Sports

'Ask him' - Emery cryptic on Watkins amid transfer interest

Daily Mail Football

'I can answer only with my silence': Aston Villa boss Unai Emery hints Ollie Watkins refused to play for club in Brighton drubbing - as England striker's move to Saudi Arabia looms