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Aston Villa omits Ollie Watkins after Brighton defeat

8/24/2026

Summary

Watkins Omitted

Aston Villa omitted striker Ollie Watkins from the squad for their 4-0 Premier League loss to Brighton.
Manager Unai Emery said Watkins’ absence is his own issue.
He declined to provide any further explanation.
Villa rejected four Al-Hilal bids for Watkins, the latest valued at about £45 million, though he wants the move.
Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo were unavailable through injury, leaving limited striker options.

Summary

Aston Villa Fined

UEFA’s Squad Cost Ratio restricts Aston Villa to spending no more than 70 % of football revenue on wages and transfers.
The club was fined £9.5 million last year and £19.4 million in June, with £12.9 million suspended after settlement.
Aston Villa’s accounts to 30 June 2025 reported a £17 million post-tax profit after previous losses of £119.6 million (2023) and £85.4 million (2024).
Player sales of Jhon Duran (£71 m), Douglas Luiz (£42.5 m), Jacob Ramsey (£40 m) and Moussa Diaby (£50 m) generated just over £200 million.

History

Historical Context

UEFA began limiting tournament sponsorship when the Champions League launched in 1992, shaping club commercial oversight. Its regulatory framework has expanded, so clubs such as Manchester City and Aston Villa have incurred fines for breaching wage-to-revenue limits. The 2024-25 league-phase revamp shows UEFA’s continued push for fiscal and competitive balance and stability.

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Watkins Omitted

Aston Villa omitted striker Ollie Watkins from the squad for their 4-0 Premier League loss to Brighton.
Manager Unai Emery said Watkins’ absence is his own issue.
He declined to provide any further explanation.
Villa rejected four Al-Hilal bids for Watkins, the latest valued at about £45 million, though he wants the move.
Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo were unavailable through injury, leaving limited striker options.

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