Aston Villa striker, Ollie Watkins is reportedly eyeing a potential summer switch to Manchester United. The England international, who has been a key figure at Villa Park, is now said to be open to joining Reuben Amorim’s squad should the opportunity present itself.
Softfootball understands that Watkins has three years remaining on his current contract at Aston Villa and Man Utd have identified him as a top transfer target after missing out on Liam Delap, Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen.
The 29-year-old scored 17 goals and provided 14 assists in 54 appearances across all competitions last season, and Man Utd view him as a player who would add much-needed quality to Amorim’s forward line.
Arsenal and Chelsea have also been linked with Watkins in recent months, although the former have ended their pursuit as they look to finalise a deal for the aforementioned Gyokeres, while the latter opted to purchase Joao Pedro and Delap instead.
As a result, Man Utd are one of the frontrunners to prise Watkins away from Aston Villa this summer and the Englishman is now willing to complete an Old Trafford switch, despite their failure to qualify for European football last season.
Watkins would be willing to join Rúben Amorim’s side if the opportunity arises and with the rumours gaining traction, United fans have taken to social media to voice their opinions on the potential signing and Softfootball has curated some of the reactions on X below:
Idk about you guys, but I genuinely think signing Ollie Watkins this season would be a huge upgrade to our attack. 👀
Cunha, Mbeumo behind him and Bruno supporting, that’s a crazy Premier League-proven setup.
This doesn’t mean I’m against signing Sesko. That kid’s an animal… pic.twitter.com/v7tj4LpYbA
— cold pics of Manchester United (@utdsnaps) July 18, 2025
🚨With Matheus Cunha and Mbeumo already in, Manchester United have no excuse — Ollie Watkins should be next.
We’ve wasted too many windows chasing “potential” from other leagues. Now that we’ve gone for proven Premier League forwards, it makes zero sense to stop halfway. Watkins… pic.twitter.com/5LQLiR3YcA
— Manchester United Forever (@Utd_Forever7) July 18, 2025
Signing Ollie Watkins would be a smart move by Manchester United. Many of the other strikers on the market are overpriced and unproven in the Premier League. Players like Šeško and Ekitike carry too much risk at the fees being discussed — United can’t afford another costly…
— Ruben’s Era (@era_of_amorim) July 18, 2025
I’d much rather Nicolas Jackson than Ollie Watkins honestly, better footballer and signing for us all round.
That said, Mateta should be United’s main target for the 9; everything about him screams Manchester United. 100% the best signing we could make bar Osimhen/Ekitike.
— S 🧠⚽️ (@STHftbl) July 18, 2025
Why Manchester United Should Look Ollie Watkins’ Way
My brother, if we are being honest, Manchester United needs a striker wey sabi finish and still hustle for ball. This Watkins boy dey vex for Aston Villa he dey score, he dey press, he dey run like say na final every game. You… pic.twitter.com/n7rqIwuSwv
— John Joseph (@Gbemiadeyemo) July 18, 2025
While it’s currently unclear what Aston Villa’s asking price is, it is known that they will demand in excess of £50m, but the final price could prove decisive on whether Man Utd choose to push ahead with a move.
With weeks remaining in the transfer window, all eyes will be on how the situation develops as the summer transfer unfolds.
