Manchester United might be able to sign Premier League star at a discounted price of £45m

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “When you’re looking at United, Sesko and Watkins seem to be the two that they’re coming down to.

“I think the Watkins deal can get done. He’s going to be 30 this year. I think £60m is too high. There’ll be a negotiation because Villa are a little bit cash-strapped and need that headroom as well. So there’s a deal to be done there. 

“It will be somewhere around the £45m to £50m mark, with some extra clauses, but I think that’s the sort of level that will get it done. I think both clubs will be prepared to deal at that level. 

“I think it’ll be Watkins that United will end up with up front. He’s the right one for them as well. I think they need that experience up front. 

“They’ve now got some good providers of the ball with Cunha and others coming in, so Watkins would be the right one for them. Certainly they’re going to get a good two years out of him at the very least and I think that would be the right value for them and the right move to make for all parties concerned.”

Watkins has rich Premier League experience at his disposal. His speed, positioning sense and consistency are what United desperately need. With players like Cunha and Mbeumo, Watkins will be more effective up top, and when that happens, the goals will come regularly.

Watkins deal: Right time, right price?

Now the question is—is signing Ollie Watkins for £45m the right move? We think this deal can be a wise decision for the club at this time. There is a shortage of strikers in the market, and Watkins understands the Premier League system very well. The Englishman will not need any long adjustment. He will be ready to contribute immediately.

The club have to return to European competition in 2026/27. In such a situation, a striker is needed who knows how to score goals on the spot, who can press, and who can trouble the defenders. Watkins can do all of these. Yes, age goes against him, but in the next two years, the 29-year-old can give the full benefit of the investment. United are currently trying to stand up again, and in such a situation, having a reliable striker is important. Bringing Watkins can be a solid foundation for this new project.