Mobble
Sports · Soccer · published 2026-08-28 · via BBC Sport

Watkins says sorry for Villa refusal as £51m Saudi move nears

Ollie Watkins apologised to Aston Villa manager Unai Emery and teammates after refusing to play against Brighton, ahead of his expected £51m transfer to Al-Hilal. Emery praised Watkins' overall conduct and said the apology was accepted. Villa are set to replace him with Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson for £65m.

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This summary is AI-generated and original to Mobble; the linked article is the authoritative source. Original headline: “Departing Watkins apologised for refusing to play - Emery.” Browse more stories.