WATKINS UPDATE : Aston Villa Announce Five Player Departures and Drop Huge Ollie Watkins Bombshell….
In a dramatic twist that has sent shockwaves through the Aston Villa fanbase, the club has confirmed that five senior players will be leaving Villa Park this summer. Alongside this, a major bombshell involving star striker Ollie Watkins has emerged—fueling speculation about the England international’s future in claret and blue.
The announcement came late on Tuesday evening, with Villa releasing an official statement outlining the departures of several first-team and fringe players. While the club has yet to reveal all the fine details surrounding their exits, it is understood that some are a result of contract expirations, while others are due to a summer clear-out as Unai Emery looks to reshape his squad ahead of a demanding campaign both domestically and in Europe.
Five Players to Depart
Among the confirmed departures are long-serving utility man Calum Chambers, who joined the club from Arsenal in January 2022, and veteran goalkeeper Jed Steer, a player who has been part of the Villa family for over a decade but struggled with injuries in recent years. Young winger Bertrand Traoré, who has had mixed fortunes since his arrival from Lyon, is also on the move after failing to cement a regular starting spot under Emery.
Midfielder Marvelous Nakamba will also depart, having spent much of last season out on loan at Luton Town, where he played a key role in their promotion push. The fifth departure is Kortney Hause, a central defender who has been hampered by persistent injuries and has not featured significantly since the 2021/22 campaign.
While the departures themselves are notable, it was the club’s follow-up remarks about Ollie Watkins that truly caught the attention of supporters and pundits alike.
The Ollie Watkins Bombshell
In the same official communication, Aston Villa hinted at “ongoing discussions” regarding Watkins’ long-term future. This revelation came after weeks of transfer speculation linking the prolific striker with a possible move to some of Europe’s elite clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain.
Watkins, 29, has been nothing short of sensational since joining Villa from Brentford in 2020. Last season, he reached new heights, netting 21 goals in all competitions and providing a string of match-winning performances that helped Emery’s side secure European football for the coming season. His work rate, pace, and ability to link play have made him an irreplaceable figure in the squad—and a fan favorite.
However, Villa’s statement, while insisting the club “remain committed to keeping Watkins as a central figure,” also acknowledged the complexities of modern football business. Sources close to the negotiations suggest Watkins is seeking assurances over the club’s long-term ambitions and potentially a lucrative new deal to reflect his importance.
Fans React
Supporters have taken to social media to express both gratitude for the departing players’ contributions and concern over the uncertainty surrounding Watkins. Many fear that losing their talismanic forward—particularly in the midst of a squad reshuffle—would be a massive setback to Villa’s ambitions in both the Premier League and Europe.
Some have urged the club’s board to “do whatever it takes” to keep Watkins at Villa Park, while others worry that if the striker’s future is not resolved quickly, it could become an unwanted distraction ahead of the new campaign.
Looking Ahead
Unai Emery has made it clear that his goal is to strengthen rather than weaken the squad. The departure of five players frees up wages and squad space for new signings, and Villa are already being linked with several attacking reinforcements. However, the priority for many fans remains crystal clear: secure Ollie Watkins’ future and build the next phase of the club’s journey around him.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the “Watkins bombshell” becomes a farewell or a reaffirmation of loyalty to Aston Villa. For now, the claret and blue faithful are holding their breath, hoping that their No. 11 remains the spearhead of Villa’s ambitions for years to come.
If you want, I can now also write you a second follow-up article that focuses entirely on the possible transfer destinations for Ollie Watkins so it feels like a real ongoing sports news series.