Can Ollie Watkins rekindle Aston Villa’s flickering European dream? Premium

The 27-year-old striker had driven the Birmingham club up the Premier League table but a four-game lull has jeopardised chances of a top-six finish. Will the hitman, who has caught the eye of several big clubs, rediscover his touch in front of goal?

Sometime last week, news broke that Bayern Munich was having Ollie Watkins watched — the German powerhouse is on the hunt for a new striker and had sent a scout to run the rule over the Aston Villa hitman. It was reportedly part of Bayern’s contingency plan in the event of its interest in Tottenham Hotspur captain Harry Kane amounting to nothing.

Watkins has also seemingly caught the eye of the Premier League’s top clubs, many of whom  have learnt about his qualities while suffering at his hands. With the silly season approaching, the rumour mill has begun to churn furiously — every bit of transfer news must, therefore, be taken with a pinch of salt. 

There is also the matter of Villa opening talks with the 27-year-old striker over a new contract: it’s not uncommon for stories of other clubs being interested to appear at such times, as player agents attempt to secure the best possible deal for their clients.

But even if Bayern’s and the other clubs’ interest is only exploratory, it is still a sign that Watkins’ form since the World Cup, his profile, versatility and ability appeal to elite teams — an inspiring rise for someone who was plying his trade in the Championship, the division below the Premier League, as recently as 2020.

Watkins has 14 Premier League goals this season, 12 of them coming after the World Cup. The peak in this run of form came a month ago, when he proved too hot to handle for the stingiest defence in England as he scored two goals and set up another in a 3-0 win over Newcastle. 

“Newcastle’s defence has been one of the best in the league,” said former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch, “and for Watkins to pull them in every direction like he did was brilliant.” Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand agreed: “I think he’s a fabulous, fabulous player… He asks all the questions a defender doesn’t want asked.” 

That brace took Watkins’ tally to 11 goals in his 12 previous league games — a phase during which Villa was flying, having won seven of eight games and climbed to sixth on the table, within close points-proximity of Tottenham (fifth), Manchester United (fourth) and Newcastle (third).