Watkins on the Radar: Ten Hag Targets Villa Hitman in Summer Shake-Up…
Manchester United are preparing a bold move to sign Aston Villa’s prolific striker Ollie Watkins as part of Erik ten Hag’s ambitious plan to reshape the club’s attacking line ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Sources close to the club suggest United are readying a £70 million bid for the 29-year-old forward, who netted 24 goals across all competitions last season. With doubts growing around the long-term future of Anthony Martial and fitness concerns surrounding Rasmus Højlund, Watkins has emerged as a top target to lead United’s front line.
“Watkins offers that rare mix of Premier League experience, pressing intensity, and consistent output. He fits Ten Hag’s system perfectly,” a senior club insider revealed.
United’s scouting department has also been monitoring Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo, who is viewed as a complementary option to widen the Red Devils’ attacking threat. Talks have not yet advanced, but initial contact with the player’s representatives has reportedly taken place.
The move signals a shift in United’s transfer strategy—prioritizing proven Premier League talent over risky overseas ventures. With Champions League football secured, Ten Hag is determined to strengthen the spine of his team and mount a serious title challenge.
Watkins, currently under contract at Villa Park until 2028, has remained tight-lipped about his future, though insiders suggest he would be open to a move if United can match Villa’s valuation.
Aston Villa, however, are unlikely to let their star striker leave easily. Club officials are said to be reluctant to negotiate unless a bid “north of £75m” is submitted.
With the transfer window now open and Old Trafford buzzing with anticipation, the coming weeks could see one of the summer’s biggest Premier League moves unfold.
Manchester United have placed Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins at the top of their transfer wishlist, as manager Erik ten Hag pushes for a summer overhaul to fix United’s misfiring frontline.
With a war chest of over £150 million allocated for new signings, Ten Hag has made it clear: the Red Devils need goals—and Watkins is the man to deliver them. After bagging 24 goals and 9 assists last season and playing a key role in Villa’s top-four charge, the 29-year-old forward has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most complete strikers.
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🔍 Tactical Fit
Ten Hag is believed to be a long-time admirer of Watkins’ all-action style—his pressing from the front, relentless movement, and clinical finishing tick every box for a manager looking to add directness to his side.
“He’s not just a striker; he’s a system player. Watkins could transform the way United play in transition,” said former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves on MUTV.
The Dutch manager wants a dynamic No.9 to complement Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford, whose roles are expected to shift under a new tactical blueprint. Rasmus Højlund, still considered a long-term project, may be rotated or even loaned if Watkins arrives.
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🔁 Mbeumo Also Monitored
In addition to Watkins, United scouts have made repeated checks on Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo, who impressed with his creativity and set-piece threat despite Brentford’s turbulent season.
According to insiders, United are exploring a double swoop, with the Watkins-Mbeumo combo seen as a bold response to a disappointing campaign in which the Red Devils finished 5th and crashed out of Europe early.
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💬 Club Sources & Negotiations
Though no formal bid has yet been tabled, discussions with Watkins’ representatives are reportedly advanced. Villa, however, remain firm—they will only consider offers north of £75 million, especially after rejecting earlier interest from Tottenham and Bayern Munich.
A key twist: Watkins has not ruled out a move. While he remains committed to Villa, sources say he’s intrigued by the prospect of playing Champions League football at Old Trafford and leading the line for one of football’s most historic clubs.
Meanwhile, Brentford value Mbeumo at £45 million, but could negotiate a lower price if United include a player in part exchange—rumours suggest Facundo Pellistri or Hannibal Mejbri could be used as makeweights.
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🗣️ Fan Reaction
United fans have lit up social media, with the hashtag #WelcomeWatkins already trending across X (formerly Twitter).
“Watkins is exactly what we need. No more half-fit strikers or false nines—get it done!” one fan posted.
Others, however, have questioned the price tag and whether Watkins, at 29, is the long-term solution Ten Hag should be backing.
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📅 What’s Next?
With the Premier League fixture list released and United facing Liverpool on opening day, Ten Hag wants key signings wrapped up before the pre-season US tour begins on July 18.
Expect developments to accelerate in the coming days. For now, the chase is on—and Ollie Watkins is firmly in Manchester United’s sights.
Erik ten Hag has reportedly greenlit a full-scale offensive restructure, with Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins being the cornerstone of Manchester United’s transformation. Club insiders suggest United are prepared to match Villa’s £75 million asking price, with personal terms already agreed in principle.
Watkins is said to have had private conversations with England teammates hinting at his desire to “test himself at the very top.” With Marcus Rashford possibly moving to a central left-forward role, Ten Hag envisions Watkins as the focal point of a front three that could also feature Jadon Sancho’s return and Garnacho’s growth.
Negotiations are described as “progressing with urgency,” with both clubs keen to finalize the deal before mid-July to allow the player to join United’s U.S. tour.
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📰 “Twin Threat: Mbeumo + Watkins Wanted as United Push for Pace and Power”
London — July 1, 2025
Manchester United are preparing a daring double swoop that would see Bryan Mbeumo and Ollie Watkins arrive at Old Trafford before the new season.
Ten Hag, who has grown frustrated with United’s over-reliance on youth in forward positions, has turned to two of the Premier League’s most consistent performers. Mbeumo, often overshadowed by Ivan Toney at Brentford, impressed scouts with his dribbling, delivery, and versatility across the front line.
The pair are seen as ideal fits for Ten Hag’s “vertical attacking model”—press high, break faster, and finish clinically. Mbeumo’s price could be negotiated down to around £38–40 million, especially if Brentford receive a loan or fringe player in return.
Together, the pair would represent a combined £110+ million statement of intent, marking one of United’s boldest attacking revamps since the Sir Alex Ferguson era.
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📰 “Exit Incoming? Martial Set to Leave as Watkins Prepares for United Arrival”
Manchester — July 1, 2025
The arrival of Ollie Watkins may spell the end of Anthony Martial’s turbulent Manchester United career. The French striker has been informed he is not part of Ten Hag’s plans, with several clubs in Saudi Arabia and Ligue 1 reportedly circling.
United have placed a modest £15 million price tag on Martial, who is entering the final year of his contract. Sources suggest the funds raised will help facilitate Watkins’ move, while clearing space on the wage bill for another forward—possibly Joshua Zirkzee or a younger understudy.
Ten Hag is also believed to be considering Watkins as a leadership figure in the dressing room, citing his mentality and professionalism at Villa as a template for United’s new identity.
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