Fenerbahçe are ‘quietly pursuing’ a deal for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins behind the scenes as they look to add a striker to their squad this summer.
Journalist Ertan Süzgün reports, via Fener Ajans, that the Turkish side are quietly exploring a deal behind the scenes for the 30-year-old Aston Villa forward.
Aston Villa exit unlikely
The Turkish journalist provides no further information beyond that point. Although Fener Ajans provide the information following a rumour about a potential move for Mason Greenwood.
Fenerbahçe appear determined to refresh their forward options this summer. Sidiki Cherif is currently the only recognised centre-forward in their squad. He’s set to join permanently in an €18m deal next month but only managed three goals in 16 appearances this season.
That’s seemingly led the Turkish side to scour the market for big-name additions. And they are quietly making overtures to Ollie Watkins at Aston Villa as a result. There’s no mention of what they would be willing to spend on the striker, though.
€25m valuation
Watkins is currently rated at €25m by Transfermarkt. But Aston Villa would want at least double that for a striker who scored 21 goals in all competitions last season. It is hard to imagine Fenerbahçe ever getting close to such a deal. Their current record purchase is the €28m deal for Matteo Guendouzi.
Cherif’s €18m deal is the most they have ever spent on a striker, alongside Youssef En-Nesyri. They sit third and fourth in the rankings. So, it is hard to see them absolutely smashing those records to sign a 30-year-old Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa.
It is also hard to see Aston Villa even thinking about a sale this summer. Watkins is a key player under Unai Emery, first choice and tied to a deal until 2028. Unless they can find an adequate replacement, and get a huge fee, there is no reason for them to sell or consider what Fenerbahçe offer.
