Aston Villa have created a new position after extending the contract with striker Ollie Watkins. The club is unable to keep the 30-year-old forward in storage, and head coach Unai Emeri does not see a way out before the end of the summer transfer window.

According to information from The Athletic, previously Watkins had already been willing to continue to please the Birmingham players, but the team’s leadership decided to create a new position for the footballer.

Saudi Al-Hilal continues to show interest in the English attacker. At the same time, Aston Villa does not intend to easily separate from their key forward, it will be difficult for him to make arrangements for a transfer.

Wotkins himself has not yet emerged from his career and is ready to consider various options for extending his career.

In the 2025/26 season, the forward played 55 matches in all tournaments, scoring 21 goals and providing 5 assists.