Emery deflects on Watkins absence as Villa fall 4-0 at Brighton

Aston Villa lost 4-0 at Brighton on 23 August 2026 without Ollie Watkins, who is considering a move to Al-Hilal. Asked why he omitted his striker, Unai Emery said: "This question is for him… I can answer only with my silence." Pressed on whether Watkins refused to play, Emery did not deny it, telling reporters to call Watkins and his agent. Villa rejected five Al-Hilal bids including a €45m offer. The window closes in ten days.