LONDON, ENGLAND — Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has revealed that key players Ollie Watkins and Emiliano Martinez could leave the club, raising fresh questions about the future of the Europa League champions as the new Premier League season approaches.
Emery confirmed that Villa have received offers for Watkins and acknowledged that the England striker could depart if the right conditions are reached for both the player and the club. The revelation comes during a turbulent transfer window in which Villa have already lost several important members of their squad.
Watkins has emerged as one of the most sought-after players at Villa Park, with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal reportedly pursuing the forward. Several offers have already been made, although Villa have rejected previous bids as they consider their options.
Emery admitted that the situation remains uncertain with the transfer window approaching its conclusion.
The manager’s comments come shortly after Villa completed another major departure, with England defender Ezri Konsa joining Arsenal in a reported £51 million deal. Konsa’s exit followed the departures of other influential players, including Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne and Youri Tielemans.
The potential loss of Watkins would represent another significant blow to Villa’s attacking options. The striker has become a central figure in the club’s recent rise and was instrumental in their successful European campaign.
Watkins joined Aston Villa from Brentford in 2020 and quickly established himself as one of the club’s leading attacking players. He has consistently been among Villa’s most important goalscorers and reached the milestone of 100 goals for the club during the 2025-26 campaign.
His possible departure has therefore generated considerable concern among supporters, particularly given the number of high-profile players who have already left the club this summer.
Watkins is not the only major Villa player whose future is uncertain.
Emery also confirmed that goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez could leave after the Argentine indicated that he wanted a new challenge. Martinez has been a crucial figure for Villa since arriving from Arsenal in 2020 and played a major role in the club’s progression under Emery.
The goalkeeper’s future has been uncertain for some time, with previous attempts to secure a move away from Villa failing to produce a completed transfer. A reported move to Juventus also collapsed, leaving Martinez still at the club as the new campaign approaches.
Villa have already taken steps to prepare for the possibility of Martinez’s departure by signing Japan international goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, providing additional cover between the posts.
The uncertainty surrounding Watkins and Martinez comes after a remarkable period for Villa. The club won the Europa League last season, securing its first major trophy in three decades and establishing Emery’s side among the most competitive teams in English football.
However, the celebrations have been followed by an extensive restructuring of the squad.
Morgan Rogers moved to Chelsea, while Tielemans joined Manchester United. Digne and other senior players have also departed, leaving Emery with the difficult task of rebuilding a team that achieved major success only months ago.
Despite the departures, Emery has defended the club’s transfer strategy and expressed confidence in the direction of the squad. Villa have continued recruiting players, including goalkeeper Suzuki and other additions intended to provide depth and maintain competitiveness.
The manager’s immediate challenge is to ensure that the rebuilding process does not undermine the team’s ability to compete at the highest level.
The possible departure of Watkins would be particularly difficult because Villa could be left searching for another proven striker at a time when the Premier League campaign is already beginning.
Reports have linked Villa with Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson as a possible replacement should Watkins eventually leave. However, no completed deal has been confirmed, leaving the situation dependent on how the remaining days of the transfer window develop.
For Watkins, a move to Saudi Arabia could represent a major new chapter in his career. Al-Hilal are reportedly interested in securing his services, while the striker has reportedly been open to the possibility of a move.
For Martinez, the situation is more complicated. The goalkeeper remains under contract with Villa, but Emery has acknowledged his desire for a new challenge.
The potential exits have created an unusual situation for a club coming off one of its most successful seasons in decades. Rather than simply strengthening a championship-winning squad, Emery is now attempting to preserve its core while managing substantial player turnover.
Villa’s supporters will therefore watch the closing stages of the transfer window closely. The futures of Watkins and Martinez could determine how much of last season’s successful squad remains intact.
With the new Premier League campaign underway, Emery must balance the club’s long-term rebuilding plans with the immediate demands of competing for points and trophies.
For now, neither Watkins nor Martinez has officially completed a move away from Villa. But Emery’s confirmation that both players could leave has made their futures two of the biggest transfer stories surrounding the club.
As Aston Villa attempt to build on their Europa League triumph, the club faces a crucial test: whether it can replace departing stars quickly enough to maintain its momentum while giving Emery the squad required to challenge for more honours.
