Aston Villa’s Shrewd Move: Ollie Watkins Now Outvalues Jack Grealish

Aston Villa’s fortunes have dramatically improved under Unai Emery’s leadership since October 2022. The club has transformed from a relegation-threatened side to a Champions League contender, with improved performances and results.

One player who exemplifies this transformation is Ollie Watkins. The England international has thrived under Emery, scoring 48 goals and providing 22 assists in 101 appearances. His overall record for Villa is impressive, with 77 goals and 31 assists in 191 games.

Watkins’ value has skyrocketed to £45.3 million, according to Transfermarkt. This figure now surpasses that of former Villa star Jack Grealish, who left the club for Manchester City in a £100 million deal in 2021.

Grealish’s departure was emotional for Villa, but the club’s decision to sell him and develop Watkins has proven astute. While Grealish has struggled to replicate his Villa form at City, scoring just 14 goals and providing 20 assists in 142 appearances, Watkins has become Villa’s new talisman.

The contrast in their current valuations is stark. Grealish’s market value has dropped to £37 million, £8.3 million less than Watkins. This shift highlights Villa’s successful player development and transfer strategy under Emery’s guidance.

While Villa fans may look back fondly on Grealish’s time at the club, the emergence of stars like Watkins has helped fill the void. Villa’s ability to move forward and thrive post-Grealish demonstrates the club’s growing strength and ambition in the Premier League.