What will Jackson bring to Villa with Watkins set for exit?
BBC Sport examines what new striker Nicolas Jackson will bring to Aston Villa, with Ollie Watkins looking set to join Al-Hilal.
Aston Villa have completed the signing of Nicolas Jackson in a deal worth up to £65 million, with Ollie Watkins set to leave for Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League. Unai Emery's Villa is undergoing a major overhaul, with several key players departing. Jackson, 25, joins a roster of new signings including Johan Manzambi, Joao Gomes, Zion Suzuki, and Matteo Ruggeri.
The move comes after a 4-0 defeat at Brighton, where Emery's side started without a recognized centre-forward due to Watkins' unavailability and the injuries to Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo. Jackson, who overtakes Manzambi to become Villa's record signing, provides a different type of striker compared to Watkins. While both players have scored goals and created chances, Jackson's numbers indicate a more active involvement in attacks and a higher likelihood of finishing chances.
Jackson's development under Unai Emery at Villarreal is notable, as he credits the former coach for transforming his understanding of the game.
Written by urgent.news from BBC Sport Football's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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