Bryan Mbeumo backs Man Utd to sign former team-mate Ollie Watkins as £71m forward hails 'complete striker'

Manchester United FC v Aston Villa FC - Premier League

Bryan Mbeumo has offered glowing praise for former teammate Ollie Watkins, calling the Aston Villa forward a “complete striker” amid growing speculation of a transfer to Manchester United. Ruben Amorim has intensified his search for a new centre-forward and reportedly has Watkins at the top of his wish list alongside RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko.

WHAT HAPPENED?

United’s recruitment team have narrowed their forward search to a two-player shortlist, with Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson no longer under consideration. Instead, Watkins and Sesko are now the primary candidates being assessed to bolster Amorim’s attacking options. Both players have been approached informally via their representatives, and discussions are believed to be ongoing. Watkins’ proven Premier League record is reportedly a major factor in his favour. Since his move to Aston Villa, the 29-year-old has found the net 75 times in England’s top division.

Bryan Mbeumo Man Utd 2025 HIC

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Mbeumo and Watkins shared a prolific season at Brentford before the latter’s move to Villa Park. Reflecting on their partnership, Mbeumo spoke highly of the England international during an appearance on Rio Ferdinand Presents, emphasising the forward’s technical intelligence and positional flexibility.

WHAT MBEUMO SAID

"Ollie is a complete striker," Mbeumo said. “He can do a lot of things. He can drop to be available or go in behind. And that is really good for me as a winger because you can use his space to fit in there. Plus he can combine as well. It’s really good.”

DID YOU KNOW?

While Villa have publicly denied any intention of parting ways with their star striker, recent history suggests the door might not be entirely closed. Back in January, the Midlands club offered Watkins to Arsenal, only to retract that stance after offloading Jhon Duran instead. At the time, Villa’s asking price was £60 million ($81m), but sources now suggest a fee in the region of £40m to £45m could be enough to tempt the club into negotiating. For United, this could represent a more financially feasible route compared to other high-profile alternatives like Sesko.

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WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD??

Despite their interest, United’s ability to move for Watkins or any new signings will largely depend on player sales. Among those potentially heading for the exit are Jadon Sancho, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, and Tyrell Malacia. If sufficient funds are raised, particularly through the sales of Antony and Garnacho, the club believes it will be in a position to finalise a move for Watkins without breaching financial fair play regulations. Rasmus Hojlund, signed last year in a £72m deal, has yet to live up to expectations, and the club could look to move him on as well if a suitable buyer is found.