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Watkins leaves Aston Villa, Jackson and Mbaye on the way

Unai Emery announced the departure of Ollie Watkins to Saudi Arabia and the arrival of Nicolas Jackson and Ibrahim Mbaye at Aston Villa.

29 August 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: Watkins leaves Aston Villa, Jackson and Mbaye on the way — Archive photoPhoto: Ardfern · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has confirmed the departure of English forward Ollie Watkins to a club in Saudi Arabia. Emery stated that he had an emotional conversation with Watkins, which included a hug and moments of tears, as the striker prepared to leave the club. This transfer opens the door for new signings in the team's attack.

In parallel, Aston Villa is set to finalize a significant overhaul of its offensive line. Nicolas Jackson, coming from Chelsea, has been confirmed as a new addition, with a deal that could reach around £47.5 million. Jackson is expected to make his home debut against Arsenal next Monday.

In addition to Jackson, Aston Villa is also on the verge of signing Ibrahim Mbaye from Paris Saint-Germain, which is expected to come at a similar cost. This duo of new players is part of Emery's strategy to initiate a 'new chapter' at the club, aiming to strengthen the squad following the departure of Watkins.

Watkins, who made a significant impact at Aston Villa, leaves a notable mark on the club. Manager Emery praised the player's dedication and commitment during his time with the team, referring to his skill and impact on the game.

Jackson's arrival at Aston Villa is particularly noteworthy, as he has previously worked with Emery at Villarreal, which may ease his adaptation to the new environment. There are high expectations for him to contribute to the team's attack, which is looking to improve its performances in the league.

With these market movements, Aston Villa envisions a promising future, while Watkins' departure marks the end of an era for the club. Fans are eagerly anticipating the performances of Jackson and Mbaye in the upcoming season.

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