Unai Emery Reflects on Watkins' Departure and Welcomes Nicolas Jackson

Unai Emery cut a conflicted figure as he said goodbye to Ollie Watkins – Aston Villa’s record Premier League goalscorer – and welcomed in a new era led by Nicolas Jackson.

Watkins, 30, is expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia on Friday to complete a £51m move to Al-Hilal, ending a four-year spell that transformed both player and club. He leaves with 91 Premier League goals for Villa and 108 in all competitions since his £28m switch from Brentford in 2020.

He also leaves under a cloud from his final days – one Emery was determined to clear.

Watkins’ apology and emotional farewell

Watkins refused to play in Sunday’s match against Brighton as his move edged closer. Emery confirmed the striker had since fronted up to the dressing room.

“He told us after the Brighton match he was sorry and that he had made a mistake. He was wrong, but we accepted it. The players as well,” Emery said.

The numbers tell one story. Emery’s reaction told another.

“His commitment and his behaviour was fantastic. He's a fantastic guy – a fantastic guy even more than a player. I told him 'bye' with a huge hug and with small tears.”

The hug, the tears, the public backing – all of it underlined how central Watkins had been to Villa’s rise. But Emery did not linger on nostalgia for long.

“But now it's a new chapter here with Nicolas Jackson.”

Jackson lined up as £65m replacement

Villa have moved quickly. A £65m deal is in place for Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson, with the club pushing to have the Senegal international registered in time for Monday night’s home clash with Arsenal.

Emery made it clear the plan is not to stand still after a successful 2025-26 season. Watkins is only the latest senior figure to depart in a summer of hard, money-driven decisions.

“We took decisions because it's good for the club,” Emery said. “Of course, we don't want to be a club that sells players, but the responsibility is there. It's crazy [money for someone] 30 years old and £50m for Ezri Konsa [who is 28].”

The manager pointed to the club’s recent track record of improving players and then cashing in at peak value.

“How we developed in the last year with some players and how we can sell some players now is completely the right decision. We have to rebuild the team as fast as possible. [Fans] have to accept our way and why we are taking some decisions.”

Goretzka arrives to lead the rebuild

One pillar of that rebuild is already in the building. Leon Goretzka completed his free transfer to Villa on Thursday after leaving Bayern Munich at the end of last season.

His medal haul is heavyweight: seven Bundesliga titles and a Champions League crown with Bayern. Emery sounded delighted to drop that profile into his midfield.

“He is a winner. He is a very competitive player – a good player to add into our squad,” he said. “He is versatile and arrives fit and training well. Hopefully on Monday he can be on the field.”

Watkins heads for Saudi Arabia with records and regrets, Jackson races the clock to be ready for Arsenal, and Goretzka walks into a new league with a cabinet full of trophies. Emery, caught between eras, has made his choice clear: sentiment can wait, the rebuild cannot.