Manager Unai Emery said Ollie Watkins apologised for refusing to play for Aston Villa on Sunday as he paid an emotional tribute to the departing striker.

The 30-year-old is expected in Saudi Arabia on Friday to complete a £51m move to Al-Hilal, with Villa poised to finalise the signing of Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson for £65m as his replacement.

Emery praised the England forward’s behaviour during his Villa career and said he and the squad had accepted Watkins’ apology for making himself unavailable against Brighton.

Watkins is Villa’s record Premier League scorer with 91 goals, part an overall tally of 108 in all competitions since signing from Brentford for £28m in 2020.

“He told us after the Brighton match he was sorry and that he had made a mistake. He was wrong, but we accepted it. The players as well,” said Emery.

“His commitment and his behaviour was fantastic. He’s a fantastic guy – a fantastic guy even more than a player. I told him ‘bye’ with a huge hug and with small tears.

“But now it’s a new chapter here with Nicolas Jackson.”

Villa have agreed a deal for Jackson and are trying to ensure the Senegal striker is registered for Monday’s visit of Arsenal.

Watkins is the latest experienced player to leave Villa this summer and Emery urged supporters to back the club’s strategy despite the loss of several key figures in their successful 2025-26 season.

“We took decisions because it’s good for the club,” Emery said.

“Of course, we don’t want to be a club that sells players, but the responsibility is there. It’s crazy [money for someone] 30 years old and £50m for Ezri Konsa [who is 28].

“How we developed in the last year with some players and how we can sell some players now is completely the right decision.

“We have to rebuild the team as fast as possible. [Fans] have to accept our way and why we are taking some decisions.”

As part of the rebuild, Leon Goretzka completed his move on a free transfer to Villa on Thursday after leaving Bayern Munich at the end of last season.

The midfielder won seven Bundesliga titles and the Champions League with Bayern.

“He is a winner. He is a very competitive player – a good player to add into our squad,” said Emery.

“He is versatile and arrives fit and training well. Hopefully on Monday he can be on the field.”