EPL: Watkins, Martinez could leave Aston Villa, says Emery

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has confirmed that forward Ollie Watkins and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez could be among the next players to leave the club following a dramatic summer of transfers. The revelations come as Villa prepare for their Premier League campaign against Brighton on Sunday, marking the start of a new era for the club after its historic Europa League victory in May. Emery disclosed that despite rejecting multiple offers from Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal for Watkins, the club might consider selling the England international if the financial terms are favorable. The Spanish coach emphasized that Watkins remains a current Villa player but acknowledged the potential for a deal that benefits both the player and the club. The departure of Watkins would follow a wave of exits from Villa Park, including defender Ezri Konsa, who is nearing completion of his £51 million move to Arsenal, and Martinez, who has expressed his desire to pursue a new challenge. Earlier in the summer, Morgan Rogers joined Chelsea, Lucas Digne moved to Paris Saint-Germain, and Youri Tielemans went to Manchester United. This mass exodus marks a significant transformation for a team that secured its first major trophy in 30 years by defeating Freiburg in the Europa League final. Emery described the situation with Watkins as complex, noting that the striker's performances have fluctuated throughout the season. However, he stressed that any decision regarding his future would depend on whether it aligns with the interests of the player, the club, and the overall team structure. “If he is leaving, it will be for the best three ways, him, the club, and the team,” Emery stated during his press conference. Martinez, who has sought a new opportunity over the past two seasons, has once again indicated his intent to leave. In response, Villa signed Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki as a potential replacement. Emery noted that although Martinez had previously chosen to stay with the club, this year he has shown renewed interest in exploring other options. The decision to bring in Suzuki was made with the understanding that Martinez might eventually depart. Despite these challenges, Emery remains optimistic about the club's transfer activities. Alongside Suzuki, Villa have acquired Johan Manzambi, Joao Gomes, Matteo Ruggeri, Alejandro Garnacho, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The manager praised the club's approach to the transfer market, calling it “intelligent” and aligned with their strategic goals for the upcoming season. He expressed confidence in the team's ability to compete at the top level of English football, having finished fourth in the Premier League last season. The ongoing changes at Villa reflect broader trends within the Premier League, where clubs frequently reshuffle their squads to maintain competitiveness. While some fans may lament the loss of key players, others view the moves as necessary steps toward building a stronger, more dynamic team. As the new season begins, all eyes will be on how Emery manages the transition and whether the newly acquired talent can fill the void left by departing stars. Villa's preparations for the season include not just new signings but also adapting to the evolving dynamics of the squad. With several high-profile departures, the club faces the challenge of maintaining continuity while integrating fresh faces into the fold. Emery's focus appears to be on ensuring that each transaction serves the long-term vision of the club, balancing immediate needs with future aspirations. As the Premier League kicks off, Villa's performance will be closely watched, particularly given the ambitious nature of their recent acquisitions and the uncertainty surrounding key departures. The coming months will test Emery's leadership and the club's ability to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing football landscape.