Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Aston Villa hitman Ollie Watkins and the Reds could sign the next Diogo Jota by taking him to Anfield this summer.
He cost the Birmingham side a fee that could rise to £33million if all the performance-related add-ons are triggered which means he’d likely cost Liverpool more than that but he’s the perfect striker for Jurgen Klopp.
What are the links between Liverpool and Watkins?
As we reported on last week, Watkins has been linked with a move to Liverpool by Football Insider. They claim that the 25-year-old is of interest to the Reds and Alex McLeish believes he can play for any big club in the world.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – APRIL 10: Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa scores their team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Aston Villa at Anfield on April 10, 2021 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Martin Rickett – Pool/Getty Images)
McLeish told Football Insider: “I could see Ollie going anywhere in the world and being a magnificent footballer within the team. He has got energy to burn, he’s quick, he’s elusive to defenders. He came into Villa no problem, it clicked right away.
“I believe that Ollie Watkins could go anywhere.”
Why is Watkins perfect for Liverpool?
The striker is not only a great finisher, his movement and touch are first-rate. He’s been a little off the pace recently due to Jack Grealish’s absence from the side but his goal against Everton on the weekend was brilliant.
𝟭𝟲 goals. 𝟰 assists. 🎯
Ollie Watkins has been directly involved in 𝟮𝟬 goals in all competitions for club and country so far this season. 👌 pic.twitter.com/xdTPli416i
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) May 4, 2021
Not only is the Villa no.11 a great finisher, but his work rate and pressing ability would also see him provide the defensive contributions that Roberto Firmino is famous for as well as the goals and assists that the Brazilian used to contribute.
Watkins has scored 16 goals and provided 4 assists for the Villains this term and going deeper into the stats, there isn’t a striker that has created more chances from open play than him.
With 38 big chances, he’s level with Spurs’ Harry Kane. The former Brentford man isn’t playing with the same quality of player that the England skipper is which highlights how impressive his returns are.
Jack Grealish aside, Villa’s attackers can be quite wasteful which is clear from the fact that Watkins has just 4 assists from 38 chances created.
Aston Villa’s English striker Ollie Watkins celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium in London on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Alastair Grant / POOL / AFP)
Watkins would be surrounded by world-class forwards at Liverpool and there’s no doubt he’d get more assists at Anfield with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane a massive upgrade on the players he’s been playing with recently.
Is a move for Watkins feasible this summer?
Aston Villa paid a fee that could rise to £33million so it’s anyone’s guess as to what it would cost to sign him just a season into his career at Villa Park but the Reds could sign the next Diogo Jota by completing a move for him.
Liverpool paid £45million to sign Jota but Wolves agreed to receive just £10million upfront while the rest will be paid in future years.
A similar deal to sign Watkins would be a good way for the club to absorb the damaging effects the pandemic has had on their financials.
