Aston Villa<\/a>\u2019s success over recent years has been nothing short of remarkable, with Unai Emery<\/a> the man who has masterminded the club to new heights during his tenure.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n From four successive European qualifications to constant victories against Premier League<\/a> title contenders – the Spaniard has truly transformed the club.<\/p>\n His task in recent seasons has been made even harder by the fact countless key squad members have departed, but he\u2019s always managed to find a solution to the issues that arise.<\/p>\n Such a situation has become evident in recent days, as one of the club\u2019s most influential Premier League talents has finally departed to start a new challenge.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Selling players who have made history at your football club is always an emotional occasion, but sometimes you have to realise it\u2019s for the best for all parties.<\/p>\n Such a situation has been evident with striker Ollie Watkins<\/a> over recent days, as the Englishman departed in a \u00a351m deal to join Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal.<\/p>\n The 30-year-old, who\u2019s the club\u2019s all-time leading Premier League scorer, stated his desire to make the move, with manager Emery reluctantly accepting his request.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Aston Villa’s all-time leading PL goalscorers<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n Player<\/p>\n<\/th>\n Tally<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n Ollie Watkins<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n 91<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Gabby Agbonlahor<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 74<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Dwight Yorke<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 60<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Dion Dublin<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 48<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Juan Pablo Angel<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 44<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Christian Benteke<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 42<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Gareth Barry<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 41<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Julian Joachim<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 39<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n Whilst Watkins netted 21 times across all competitions last season, he\u2019s at an age now where it\u2019s highly unlikely you would receive such a fee again.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n A fee in the region of \u00a365m including add-ons was agreed for the 25-year-old, but it appears as though he won\u2019t be the last attacking addition of the summer.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> is another who could end up at Villa Park in the days ahead.<\/p>\n It\u2019s 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\u2019s deadline.<\/p>\n The Villans have already had an opening offer rejected by Pierre Sage\u2019s men, but the chances of Emery\u2019s side returning with another bid are starting to grow.<\/p>\n\n Why Aston Villa made the right decision selling Ollie Watkins<\/strong>
\n <\/h2>\n![\"ollie-watkins-aston-villa-freiburg\"](\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ollie-watkins-aston-villa-freiburg.jpg?q=49&fit=crop&w=825&dpr=2\"\/)
\n <\/picture>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n
\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How Aston Villa can land a bigger talent than Watkins<\/strong>
\n <\/h2>\n![\"Chelsea's](\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/chelsea-s-nicolas-jackson-during-training.JPG?q=49&fit=crop&w=825&dpr=2\"\/)
\n <\/picture>REUTERS\/Tyrone Siu<\/small><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n