Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has revealed that England striker Ollie Watkins and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez could leave Aston Villa as the club prepares for its Premier League opener against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, August 23, 2026.
The developments add further uncertainty to an already dramatic summer at Villa Park, with several influential players having departed after Villa’s successful Europa League campaign.
Also read: Osun election gives INEC fresh confidence ahead Of 2027
Watkins has attracted strong interest from Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, which has already seen an offer worth around £38.5 million rejected by Villa.
Talks remain ongoing, with the 30-year-old reportedly keen on the move.
Emery acknowledged that the situation could change if Villa receive an offer that works for everyone involved.
“We have an issue with Watkins, it’s clear. He is another player, we have had offers for him,” Emery said.
The Spanish manager stressed that Watkins remains a Villa player but suggested that a departure would be considered if the conditions were right for the striker, the club and the team.
“He is our player, I don’t want to sell him,” Emery said. “It can change because if it is a good option for him, good option for the club and I can replace him in the squad.”
The potential loss of Watkins would be significant.
The striker has been Villa’s leading goalscorer for several seasons since arriving from Brentford in 2020 and scored 16 Premier League goals last season.
Al Hilal’s pursuit has intensified as the Saudi club looks to reshape its attack.
Reports indicate that Watkins has emerged as a leading target as the club considers its options following uncertainty surrounding Karim Benzema.
Martinez’s situation is similarly uncertain.
The World Cup-winning goalkeeper has reportedly told Emery that he wants to pursue another challenge in his career.
Emery said Martinez had already considered leaving during the previous year but ultimately stayed and produced strong performances.
“This year again, he transmitted us the possibility to have another challenge, and we decided to sign Suzuki because I think he’s a fantastic goalkeeper in case Martinez is leaving,” Emery said.
Villa’s decision to sign Japan international Zion Suzuki provides the club with greater protection should Martinez eventually depart.
Villa have reportedly agreed a deal worth up to £30 million for the 23-year-old goalkeeper.
The possible exits come against the backdrop of an extraordinary squad overhaul.
Villa have already lost Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne and Youri Tielemans, while England defender Ezri Konsa has completed a £51 million move to Premier League champions Arsenal.
Rogers joined Chelsea in a major deal, while Digne moved to Paris Saint-Germain and Tielemans joined Manchester United.
The departures have removed considerable experience from a side that finished fourth in the Premier League last season.
Villa’s summer recruitment has nevertheless been ambitious.
Emery’s squad has been strengthened with players including Suzuki, Johan Manzambi, Joao Gomes, Matteo Ruggeri, Alejandro Garnacho and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Emery described the transfer window as an intelligent one, suggesting the club is attempting to rebuild rather than simply replace every outgoing player on a like-for-like basis.
The manager’s immediate challenge, however, is to maintain stability while the transfer window remains open.
Villa begin the new Premier League campaign at Brighton on August 23, with Emery having to prepare his team while uncertainty continues around two of the club’s most recognisable stars.
The situation also follows an emotional period for Martinez, Watkins and Konsa, who only recently returned from the 2026 World Cup.
Emery previously gave the trio four weeks off after their international commitments, describing the rest as necessary before the new campaign.
Also read: Osun election gives INEC fresh confidence ahead Of 2027
With the transfer window closing on September 1, Villa still have time to determine whether Watkins and Martinez remain part of Emery’s plans or become the latest high-profile departures from a squad undergoing a remarkable transformation.
