Could Manchester United’s Mega Swap Deal Secure a Star They Once Lost?
Rashford has been enjoying a productive loan spell at Villa Park since January, where he has contributed four assists and two goals in fourteen matches. However, after being sidelined by United manager Ruben Amorim, the prospect of permanently offloading Rashford is increasingly likely. According to sources, the Red Devils previously valued Rashford at £40 million, making him an attractive bargaining chip to secure Watkins's services.
Watkins, on the other hand, has found himself in a precarious situation as Unai Emery has preferred Rashford as his main attacking option, leading to frustrations for the 29-year-old striker. Despite a successful season, boasting an impressive tally of 16 goals and 13 assists in 50 games, Watkins's lack of consistent game time has attracted attention from various clubs, including Arsenal and Manchester United.
Both Klopp and Gerrard have publicly endorsed Watkins, with Gerrard, who previously managed him, drawing parallels to the legendary Fernando Torres, a testament to the forward's skill set. Gerrard articulated, "I picture Ollie Watkins at his best when he is really front-footed, aggressive with that bit between his teeth." Similarly, Klopp stated, "Ollie is a really, really talented striker... he's physically strong, can keep the ball, and is very fast." Such accolades highlight the respect Watkins has earned among his peers, further solidifying his market value.
The stakes are high for United as they eye Watkins for potential summer reinforcements. Meanwhile, Villa aims to secure their position in the Champions League, complicating matters for United. Should Villa succeed, it could weaken United's motivation to enter a swap deal featuring Rashford, who has been gaining form.
Despite the admiration from football icons, opposition remains regarding the feasibility of this swap deal. There are concerns about Watkins's age, with pundits suggesting that investing in younger talent might be a wiser decision for United's long-term strategy. Nonetheless, the potential move for Watkins remains a tantalising proposition for United fans yearning for a star signing.
As the transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on the developments surrounding this potential mega deal. Will Manchester United secure the talents of Ollie Watkins, or will Villa's Champions League aspirations lead them to keep the prolific forward? The coming weeks promise to be pivotal in shaping the futures of these two Premier League clubs.
