🚨 Manchester United Hold Talks Over Ollie Watkins – But £60M Price Tag Proves a Sticking Point
In the latest transfer developments surrounding Manchester United, the Red Devils have reportedly held initial discussions with Aston Villa regarding the potential signing of striker Ollie Watkins, according to Mirror Football. However, the deal has hit a significant obstacle: Villa’s asking price of around £60 million, which United deem too high given the player’s age and limited resale value.
This report, if accurate, is the clearest indication yet that United are exploring alternatives to Rasmus Højlund or perhaps seeking a strike partner to increase their attacking firepower for the 2025/26 season. Yet, while Watkins has proven himself to be a Premier League star, the valuation may force United to look elsewhere.
🔍 Background: United’s Search for Goals
Manchester United’s 2024/25 campaign was plagued by inconsistency in front of goal. While Rasmus Højlund showed promise, he shouldered much of the burden up front and lacked reliable support. Injuries to Marcus Rashford and the departure of Anthony Martial left United exposed, prompting INEOS and new head coach Rúben Amorim to prioritize forward reinforcements.
Ollie Watkins’ name has emerged as a serious candidate due to his:
- Premier League-proven record
- Work rate and movement
- Ability to link play and press from the front
- Tactical flexibility under different managers
Watkins scored 19 league goals and contributed 13 assists in the 2023/24 season — his best return since joining Aston Villa in 2020 from Brentford. The forward also helped Villa qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in decades, under Unai Emery’s resurgent side.
đź’° The Valuation Dispute: Age vs. Output
Despite Watkins’ incredible season, Manchester United are reportedly hesitant to pay the £60 million that Aston Villa are demanding. The main reasons behind the resistance are:
- Watkins is 29 years old – which means this would be a short-term signing with limited resale value.
- Financial Fair Play (FFP) and Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) now demand smarter investments. Big-money deals for aging players can’t be amortized in the same way as younger signings.
- United are actively restructuring their transfer model under INEOS sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford and technical director Jason Wilcox, with a focus on younger, high-potential players.
Still, the striker’s recent productivity cannot be ignored. Watkins has refined his game under Unai Emery, evolving from a pacey forward to a complete striker capable of dropping deep, creating chances, and leading the press.
🗣️ What the Club Thinks
Insiders close to the club suggest that while Watkins is admired for his intelligence, consistency, and Premier League experience, there is concern that spending such a large fee on a player with little future market value would go against the club’s new philosophy.
A senior club source reportedly told Mirror Football:
“Watkins has admirers at Old Trafford but the price is simply too high for a player who will be 30 next year. The club is looking for sustainable investments.”
United’s top brass are now weighing up whether to push for a compromise deal — possibly with add-ons — or move their focus to other options such as:
- Joshua Zirkzee (still being considered)
- Victor Gyökeres (Sporting CP)
- Ivan Toney (Brentford)
- Benjamin Šeško (RB Leipzig — though now off the table after renewing his contract)
🔄 Watkins’ Perspective
Sources suggest that Watkins is open to a move but is not actively pushing for a transfer. He is said to be happy at Villa Park and appreciates the faith shown in him by Unai Emery. However, the opportunity to play for Manchester United — especially if Champions League football is not guaranteed at Villa long-term — could be hard to turn down.
That said, Watkins signed a new long-term deal in October 2023, committing his future to Villa until 2028. This strengthens Villa’s bargaining position and explains the high asking price. They’re under no financial pressure to sell, especially with Champions League revenue now expected.
⚔️ Tactical Fit Under Amorim
Manager Rúben Amorim prefers a fluid, possession-based 3-4-2-1 system with high pressing, wide combinations, and positional rotations. Watkins’ qualities make him a good fit in that structure:
- Work Rate: One of the hardest-working forwards in the league.
- Link-up Play: Improved hold-up ability and combination play.
- Pressing Intelligence: Emery’s tactics have made him one of the most tactically disciplined No. 9s in the league.
He could act as a rotational option or even start alongside Højlund in a two-striker variant. Watkins’ experience would also provide a valuable mentor figure for United’s young forward line.
đź“Š Watkins in Numbers (2023/24 Premier League Season)
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 37 |
| Goals | 19 |
| Assists | 13 |
| xG (Expected Goals) | 16.4 |
| Pressures per 90 | 17.2 |
| Pass Accuracy | 78.3% |
These stats place him among the most productive strikers in Europe’s top leagues. Notably, Watkins outperformed his xG slightly, showing a clinical edge in front of goal.
🧠The INEOS Strategy – Does Watkins Fit?
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are expected to overhaul United’s approach to recruitment. They’ve emphasized:
- Data-driven scouting
- Youth-first approach
- Long-term planning
That makes any move for Watkins an interesting case. On one hand, he brings instant impact, something United desperately need. On the other, he doesn’t align with resale models or age profiles the club wants to prioritize.
The compromise could be a lower base fee with performance-based add-ons, but Villa are unlikely to be swayed given their new ambitions and financial strength.
🧨 Verdict: What Happens Next?
It’s clear that United have genuine interest in Watkins and that exploratory conversations have taken place. However, unless Villa significantly reduce their valuation or United change their stance, a transfer looks unlikely in its current form.
As things stand:
- Talks have occurred between the clubs.
- Watkins is on United’s shortlist, but not at the current price.
- Villa remain in control, backed by a strong season and long-term player commitment.
There could be a breakthrough later in the window, especially if other United targets fall through or if Villa sign a striker replacement themselves. For now, Watkins to United is a story worth watching—but not yet imminent.
Summary
Manchester United are showing interest in Ollie Watkins but are unwilling to meet Aston Villa’s ÂŁ60 million valuation due to his age and limited resale value. While talks have taken place, the deal is far from advanced and faces major financial hurdles. Watkins’ performance, mentality, and Premier League experience make him a tempting option for United, but the club’s evolving recruitment philosophy may push them toward younger, more economically viable targets. Expect negotiations to remain fluid — but only a shift in stance from either club will push this forward.
Source: Mirror Football and other transfer insiders.
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