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TRANSFERS
- 5 hours ago
Aston Villa have PERFECT Ollie Watkins replacement lined up amid Man Utd transfer
Suraj Radia
- 25 Jul 2025 06:00 BST
- 5 min read
Analysis
Aston Villa could be facing significant interest in Ollie Watkins from Manchester United in the coming weeks but Unai Emery could secure the perfect replacement at a bargain fee to unlock his side’s transfer business this summer.
Villa have made just two signings this summer in backup goalkeeper Marco Bizot on a free transfer and young defender Yasin Ozcan for €7 million, having Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio return to their parent clubs after their loans last season.
The Midlands side have been battling PSR difficulties which has led to apprehension with spending and a desire to sell players first, with number one keeper Emi Martinez among those being linked with an exit.
However, FootballTransfers has reported of the strong interest in Waktins from the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea, with the 29-year-old considering his future after seeing his game-time reduce upon the arrival of Rashford and Asensio last season.
Current ETV
Ollie Watkins
F (C)
Aston Villa
Ollie Watkins
F (C)
Aston Villa
ETV Range
€55.2M - €67.5M
Villa had initially positioned themselves as open to Watkins’ departure for around £60 million (€69m) but the failure to sign Rashford permanently has led the club to insist to United that the England international is not for sale after recent talks between both sides.
But such a large fee could help springboard Villa to finally splash the cash on some much-needed additions and ease their concerns over PSR for the near future.
Mika Biereth’s whirlwind rise to stardom could continue at Aston Villa
12 months ago, Mika Biereth had just left Arsenal to little fanfare by completing a move to Austrian side Sturm Graz for €9m, having failed to make a senior appearance for the Gunners despite the club desperately seeking a number nine in his mould.
Biereth went on to score 11 goals in his first 16 league games for Sturm, as well as two more in the Champions League, which led to a quick transfer to Monaco in January for €13m.
The goals did not stop for Biereth even with the step up, with the 22-year-old netting 13 times in 16 Ligue 1 appearances and he even went on to receive his first of four caps for Denmark, scoring once.
The meteoric year for Biereth has seen his Expected Transfer Value (ETV) shoot up from €1.1m to €26m and the London-born striker could be Villa’s perfect long-term successor to Watkins, with SciSports using data-driven analytics to suggest a club fit of 85 out of 100.
While Biereth’s record is perhaps unsustainable, the youngster has shown his eye for a goal and could work out as a shrewd gamble, particularly if he is available for near his ETV, although Monaco will be hesitant to prematurely cash in on a player with five years left on his contract.
A striker with roots in English football boasting a 6’2 frame and proving that he is unfazed by a step up in pedigree may provide a significant impact for Emery and allow Villa to cash in on Watkins to reinvest in other areas of their squad in the hopes of returning to the Champions League at the first attempt.
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