Club president lifts lid on Aston Villa transfer talks amid ‘whatever you want’ claim

Fenerbahce president Aziz Yıldırım revealed that the Turkish club pursued Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins for six weeks before his eventual transfer to Al-Hilal. Speaking at Fenerbahce's Ordinary General Assembly Meeting, Yıldırım stated club officials traveled to England to negotiate with Aston Villa, the player, and his agent, offering substantial terms to secure a deal.

Despite Fenerbahce's interest, Watkins preferred not to move to Turkey, and Aston Villa initially resisted selling. Watkins ultimately completed a permanent transfer to Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal on deadline day for a reported €60 million fee after scoring 108 goals in 278 appearances for Aston Villa.