Aston Villa’s success over recent years has been nothing short of remarkable, with Unai Emery the man who has masterminded the club to new heights during his tenure.
From four successive European qualifications to constant victories against Premier League title contenders – the Spaniard has truly transformed the club.
His task in recent seasons has been made even harder by the fact countless key squad members have departed, but he’s always managed to find a solution to the issues that arise.
Such a situation has become evident in recent days, as one of the club’s most influential Premier League talents has finally departed to start a new challenge.
Why Aston Villa made the right decision selling Ollie Watkins
Selling players who have made history at your football club is always an emotional occasion, but sometimes you have to realise it’s for the best for all parties.
Such a situation has been evident with striker Ollie Watkins over recent days, as the Englishman departed in a £51m deal to join Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal.
The 30-year-old, who’s the club’s all-time leading Premier League scorer, stated his desire to make the move, with manager Emery reluctantly accepting his request.
He even said that the pair shared a moment before his departure, with tears flowing from either side – but such a decision was undoubtedly the right one for the club.
|
Aston Villa’s all-time leading PL goalscorers |
|
|---|---|
|
Player |
Tally |
|
Ollie Watkins |
91 |
|
Gabby Agbonlahor |
74 |
|
Dwight Yorke |
60 |
|
Dion Dublin |
48 |
|
Juan Pablo Angel |
44 |
|
Christian Benteke |
42 |
|
Gareth Barry |
41 |
|
Julian Joachim |
39 |
Whilst Watkins netted 21 times across all competitions last season, he’s at an age now where it’s highly unlikely you would receive such a fee again.
The hierarchy have still made a profit on his signature, and undoubtedly maximised his price tag to cash in before he declines as he enters the final years of his professional career.
Whilst from a financial perspective it was the right decision, the supporters will have concerns about who will be brought into replace the fan-favourite before the window closes.
How Aston Villa can land a bigger talent than Watkins
It’s no secret that Aston Villa have been on the hunt for added attacking reinforcements, with former Chelsea man Nicolas Jackson reuniting with Emery at Villa Park last week.
A fee in the region of £65m including add-ons was agreed for the 25-year-old, but it appears as though he won’t be the last attacking addition of the summer.
Ibrahim Mbaye is also edging closer to joining his compatriot in the West Midlands after a deal was agreed with PSG, but striker Jean-Phillipe Mateta is another who could end up at Villa Park in the days ahead.
It’s been reported by Football Insider that Villa remain interested in the French international, with Crystal Palace open to selling the 29-year-old before Tuesday’s deadline.
The Villans have already had an opening offer rejected by Pierre Sage’s men, but the chances of Emery’s side returning with another bid are starting to grow.
The player himself is said to be keen on a move away from Selhurst Park, with an offer of £25m seemingly enough to complete a deal before the window slams shut.
Whilst Jackson has already arrived in the West Midlands, a deal for Mateta could hand Emery the needed depth and quality he craves within the final third after Watkins’ departure.
However, a move for the French star could hand the manager an even bigger talent in front of goal, with the current Palace star managing to better the Englishman in various key areas last term.
Despite scoring fewer goals, Mateta did manage to achieve a better shot-on-target accuracy rate, whilst also registering more shots on target per 90 in the Premier League.
He actually also achieved a better minutes per 90 ratio in England’s top-flight, which could see the Villans secure the services of a proven talisman – something which is needed before the window closes.
Away from his goalscoring, the Palace star also managed to win more of his aerial battles last term, whilst achieving a better pass completion rate within attacking areas.
The aforementioned figure shows his ability to operate as a focal point at the top end of the pitch and provide an option for other attackers around him to play off.
Such performances over recent times have seen huge praise directed his way, with Wayne Rooney even describing the Frenchman as “one of the best forwards in the Premier League“.
It’s hard to disagree with such a statement given the forward’s all-round quality, with even £52m man Watkins unable to produce the goods across the board like Mateta.
Signing him for just £25m would represent an excellent deal for Emery’s side – especially when the Englishman departed for a fee two times higher this window.
He and Jackson are more than capable of sharing the responsibility of leading the line and helping the club mount another challenge to finish in the division’s European places.