Everton's Striker Hunt: A Watkins-Sized Question Mark
Here's the thing: Everton needs goals. We've seen it for seasons now, a desperate struggle to find a reliable finisher. Dominic Calvert-Lewin's injury woes and inconsistent form have left a gaping hole at the top of their attack, with the Toffees managing just 34 goals in the Premier League last season, the second-lowest tally.
Now, whispers out of Finch Farm suggest that Ollie Watkins, Aston Villa's main man up front, is on their radar. And not just a passing glance, but a serious, 'let's make this happen' kind of interest. It's a move that, on paper, brings a proven Premier League scorer to Goodison, but the price and the fit raise some eyebrows.
The Tactical Blueprint: Can Dyche Unleash Watkins?
Watkins, 27, has been a consistent performer for Aston Villa since his £28 million move from Brentford in 2020. He bagged 15 Premier League goals last season, a career best, and added 11 assists across all competitions. He's quick, intelligent in his runs, and works tirelessly off the ball – all attributes Sean Dyche typically values.
Under Unai Emery at Villa Park, Watkins has thrived in a more fluid, counter-attacking system, often operating as the lone striker but with creative players like Leon Bailey and Emiliano Buendía supporting him. He's comfortable dropping deep to link play and then bursting into the box. At Everton, Dyche's setup is often more direct, relying on physical presence and quick transitions. Can Watkins adapt to being the primary target man in a less possession-heavy side?
“Watkins has shown he can score goals in the Premier League, that’s undeniable,” a scout I spoke with recently told me. “But he’s been at his best with runners around him, and a system that plays to his strengths of pressing and then breaking quickly. Everton’s current setup, especially without a consistent creative spark in midfield, might ask him to be a different kind of striker than he’s used to.”
If Dyche wants to push Watkins wide, as he occasionally did with Dwight McNeil at Burnley, it would feel like a waste of his goalscoring instincts. He's a central striker, pure and simple. And frankly, Everton needs someone to put the ball in the net from central positions.
The Financial Tightrope: A Big Ask for the Toffees
This is where things get really interesting, and potentially problematic for Everton. Watkins signed a new long-term contract with Villa in October 2023, tying him to the club until 2028. That's a strong negotiating position for Villa, who are currently flying high in the league and wouldn't be keen to offload one of their star assets, especially to a fellow Premier League team.
My sources indicate Villa would demand a fee north of £60 million, possibly closer to £70 million. For a club like Everton, who have faced significant financial fair play scrutiny and posted losses of £89.1 million for the 2022-23 financial year, that's an enormous outlay. Their spending has been under the microscope for a while, and a move of this magnitude would represent a massive gamble.
Think about it: Everton spent £45 million on Richarlison in 2018, which felt like a big deal then. Watkins' potential fee would dwarf that. It would make him one of the most expensive signings in the club's history. And for a team still battling near the bottom, that kind of investment carries immense pressure.
Comparisons could be drawn to West Ham's £45 million acquisition of Sébastien Haller in 2019, a move that didn't quite pan out as expected, or even Manchester United's £72 million for Rasmus Højlund, who is still finding his feet. The Premier League market for proven strikers is brutal, and prices are inflated. Everton simply doesn't have the luxury of making a mistake on a player of this price point.
Impact on Both Sides: Villa's Loss, Everton's Gain (or Pain)?
For Aston Villa, losing Watkins would be a significant blow. He's not just a goalscorer; he's a leader on the pitch, sets the tone for their press, and provides a focal point for their attacks. Emery has built his system around players like Watkins, and replacing his output and work rate would be a difficult task, even with significant funds.
Villa are pushing for European football, and selling a key player to a rival – even a struggling one – would send a strange message to their fanbase. Unless Watkins explicitly pushes for a move,
For Everton, securing Watkins would instantly elevate their attack. He offers pace and a genuine goal threat that has been sorely lacking. It would also signal serious intent from the club's ownership, showing they are willing to back Dyche in the transfer market with a statement signing. But it's a double-edged sword: the pressure on Watkins to deliver immediately would be immense, and the financial ramifications could tie their hands for future windows.
Real talk: This transfer feels like a reach. While Watkins is a good player, the asking price, Everton's financial situation, and the potential tactical mismatch make it a difficult proposition. If they pull it off, it will be a proof of serious ambition, but also a massive gamble.
Bold Prediction: Everton will pursue Watkins aggressively but ultimately fail to meet Aston Villa's valuation, forcing them to look elsewhere for a striker, possibly a loan with an option to buy.