League: Saudi Pro League Sport: Soccer Country: Saudi Arabia Category: Scores & Results

Aston Villa targets Joshua Zirkzee amid Watkins exit rumors

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 24, 2026, 10:35 AM

Last updated Aug 24, 2026

Aston Villa targets Joshua Zirkzee amid Watkins exit rumors

Summary

Aston Villa is reportedly pursuing Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee as Unai Emery prepares for the potential departure of Ollie Watkins, who may join Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal. Zirkzee, who has scored five goals in 56 Premier League matches for United, could provide a quality replacement. The 25-year-old has also attracted interest from Juventus and Napoli. Emery aims to revitalize Zirkzee's career, hoping for a more productive spell at Villa Park following a disappointing start to the 2026-27 season with a 4-0 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion. Zirkzee's decision about staying in England or returning to Serie A remains uncertain.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Aston Villa seeks to replace Ollie Watkins with Joshua Zirkzee.
•Zirkzee has five goals in 56 matches for Manchester United.
•The striker has nine goals in 75 appearances overall for United.
•Interest in Zirkzee also comes from Juventus and Napoli.
•Villa lost 4-0 to Brighton in their season opener.

Latest Updates

10:35 AMYahoo Sports — Aston Villa keen on Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee

What they're saying

"
Aston Villa are reportedly looking to bring Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee to the Midlands club as Unai Emery prepares for life without Ollie Watkins. The Villa forward is edging closer to a...
— Yahoo Sports

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Aston Villa Manchester United Juventus Saudi Pro League Soccer