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Emery tells Watkins to 'call his agent' after absence from Villa's Brighton thrashing
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Emery tells Watkins to 'call his agent' after absence from Villa's Brighton thrashing

August 23, 2026 at 05:04 PM
Media ReportTransferNormal urgency62% confidence

Quick summary

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery publicly questioned Ollie Watkins after the striker was absent from Villa's heavy defeat by Brighton, urging him to explain himself and seemingly suggesting he negotiate a departure.

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Attributed to original source

England forward is considering move to Al Hilal

‘This question is for him … I answer only with silence’

Unai Emery did nothing to deny that Ollie Watkins had refused to play for Aston Villa in their sobering 4-0 defeat by Brighton at the Amex on Sunday. The head coach had a selection crisis up front with Brian Madjo and Tammy Abraham injured. However, he did not include Watkins in the matchday squad as the England striker considers a move to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia.

Emery was forced to rely on the attacking midfielder, Emiliano Buendía, as an emergency No 9 and his team disappeared without trace on the south coast. They were 4-0 down after 31 minutes and had their new signing, João Gomes, sent off on his debut in the 40th minute. Gomes kicked up and out at the Brighton striker Georginio Rutter after being dispossessed by him.

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What happened

England forward is considering move to Al Hilal‘This question is for him … I answer only with silence’Unai Emery did nothing to deny that Ollie Watkins had refused to play for Aston Villa in their sobering 4-0 defeat by Brighton at the Amex on Sunday. The head coach had a selection crisis up front with Brian Madjo and Tammy Abraham injured. However, he did not include Watkins in the matchday squad as the England striker considers a move to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia.Emery was forced to rely...

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Transfer

Emery tells Watkins to 'call his agent' after absence from Villa's Brighton thrashing

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery publicly questioned Ollie Watkins after the striker was absent from Villa's heavy defeat by Brighton, urging him to explain himself and seemingly suggesting he negotiate a departure.

Article summary

England forward is considering move to Al Hilal‘This question is for him … I answer only with silence’Unai Emery did nothing to deny that Ollie Watkins had refused to play for Aston Villa in their sobering 4-0 defeat by Brighton at the Amex on Sunday. The head coach had a selection crisis up front with Brian Madjo and Tammy Abraham injured. However, he did not include Watkins in the matchday squad as the England striker considers a move to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia.Emery was forced to rely...

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Published
Aug 23, 2026, 5:04 PM
Category
Media Report
Confidence
62%
Priority
Normal

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Emery tells Watkins to 'call his agent' after absence from Villa's Brighton thrashing | Chance Soccer News