Watkins is reportedly set to leave Aston Villa, according to experts

Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins was left out of the squad for last Sunday's match against Brighton, a decision that has raised questions among pundits, including those on Match of the Day. Gabby Logan, Danny Murphy, and Joe Hart speculated that the player could be on the verge of leaving the club to join Al Hilal.

 

A puzzling absence

Ollie Watkins' exclusion from the matchday squad against Brighton has drawn attention. The Match of the Day panel questioned the reasons behind the decision. Gabby Logan, Danny Murphy, and Joe Hart suggested that the player could be set to leave for Saudi club Al Hilal. This absence comes amid growing transfer rumors linking Watkins to Saudi Arabia over recent weeks. The former England international is one of Aston Villa’s standout players this season, but his future now appears uncertain.

A potential move to Saudi Arabia

The Match of the Day experts highlighted that Ollie Watkins’ potential move to Al Hilal could be driven by the Saudi club’s sporting ambitions. Al Hilal, one of Saudi Arabia’s most prestigious clubs, has been attracting top international stars in recent months. Watkins, who has scored 24 Premier League goals this season, is a sought-after target for foreign clubs. His omission from the Brighton matchday squad has fueled speculation of a possible move to Saudi Arabia, where clubs boast significant financial resources. Gabby Logan, Danny Murphy, and Joe Hart shared their analysis on Match of the Day. According to them, Watkins’ absence could signal an imminent departure. “It seems he no longer wants to play for Aston Villa,” one of the pundits stated. This remark has reignited debates about the player’s future, with his name now linked to several European and Asian clubs. Aston Villa has yet to issue an official response to the rumors, but the situation could evolve rapidly in the coming days.