Aston Villa sign Ollie Watkins in club-record deal from Brentford

Watkins scored 26 goals for Brentford last season

Andy Hampson
Wednesday 09 September 2020 11:57 BST
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Aston Villa have signed Brentford striker Ollie Watkins on a five-year deal.

The 24-year-old scored 26 goals as the Bees reached the Championship play-off final last season.

Manager Dean Smith said: "Ollie has developed into one of the most sought-after strikers in the country and we are looking forward to seeing him show his great qualities in an Aston Villa shirt."

It is understood Villa have paid a club-record £28million, rising to a potential £33m, for the forward.

The club had previously been linked with Callum Wilson, who instead joined Newcastle from Bournemouth.

Watkins, who previously played under Smith at Brentford, said: "I am so excited to join Aston Villa and to reunite with Dean Smith as my head coach. 

"I cannot wait to wear the famous claret and blue in the Premier League. I want to do something special here and score some goals."

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