Manchester United could make a move for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins this summer, but only if one particular condition is met.
Many changes are in store for Manchester United this summer, due to their disappointing 2024/25 campaign which saw them finish 15th in the Premier League.
Most importantly, Ruben Amorim’s side seem desperate to rejuvenate their attack over the coming months. Top target Matheus Cunha has already been brought in, whilst the signature of Bryan Mbeumo nears ever closer.
Despite closing in on two top attacking targets already, it seems like United will also look to bring in a new striker, with there being many names to choose from.
One name that has been mentioned recently is Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, who could be available this summer due to his side’s struggles with the Premier League profitability and sustainability rules (PSR).
Watkins deal would depend on one factor
In January, Arsenal attempted to sign Watkins for £40 million, but Villa value their striker at £60 million. Due to another productive campaign, Villa still feel like their valuation is fair.
Villa’s main man scored 16 and assisted eight in 38 league games last season, having scored 19 and assisted 13 the season prior.
With the 29-year-old having three years left on his contract, he would likely fetch a pretty penny for the Villains. As this is the case, United could be forced to sell players to raise funds for such a signing.
According to The Athletic, United had Watkins in mind as an alternative to Rasmus Højlund in the summer of 2023, but opted for the Dane. Two years on, and Højlund’s future now looks very unclear, with United being open to selling for under £45 million.
Should the 22-year-old secure a move away this summer, Wakins is on the club’s list as a replacement option.
Although Watkins would most likely only be an option for a few seasons, he could complete a ready-now attack. With Cunha being 26 and Mbeumo being 25, adding yet another attacker in their prime could bode well for the Red Devils.
Watkins a ‘perfect’ option for Amorim?
With many of Amorim’s striker options seemingly being unattainable, Watkins could be a fantastic option, which was rightfully pointed out by former United player Wes Brown, who recently claimed that “a striker like Watkins would be perfect for United.”
Opposed to this, according to The Athletic, Amorim would like a reunion with Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP, but the Swedish striker appears to want Arsenal and would cost upwards of £60 million.
READ MORE: “Happy to stay…” Brentford release official statement on Bryan Mbeumo as third Man Utd bid expected
Other names that have been discussed are Christopher Nkunku of Chelsea and Hugo Ekitike, although the latter’s £85 million price tag would be too steep for United.
It will be interesting to see what direction United take this summer regarding a striker. Still, Watkins could potentially be the ideal option with his Premier League numbers speaking for themselves.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 12:30 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.