{
  "id": 3272507,
  "title": "Who has thrown who 'under the bus'?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/who-has-thrown-who-under-the-bus",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-25T13:46:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/watkins-fit-play-chose-not-104148279.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The spotlight is on Ollie Watkins as yet another transfer window opens, bringing more drama to the football scene. Former Premier League midfielder Andros Townsend shed light on the situation during BBC Sounds' Monday Night Club. Townsend suggested that Watkins' desire to potentially move to Saudi Arabia could be understood from the player's perspective, given his age and the significant offer on the table.\n\nWatkins, who arrived at Villa Park for £28 million in 2020, has been a crucial player in the team's improved performance. However, his exclusion from the matchday squad against Brighton has led fans to question his future at the club. Chris Sutton, a former Villa striker, commented on social media, stating that many fans believe Watkins has \"thrown his manager under the bus.\" Sutton argued that the team needed Watkins during that game and that he should have played if he was fit and under contract.\n\nFor club and country last season, Watkins played in 61 games and scored 23 goals across all competitions. However, his time in the top flight might be coming to an end as Al-Hilal, a Saudi Arabian club, eye the former Brentford man. Townsend believes Watkins may feel that if he lets this offer slip, it may not come again.",
  "summary": "Another transfer window, means more transfer drama. This time it is Ollie Watkins' name which is in the spotlight. On BBC Sounds' Monday Night Club, former Premier League midfielder Andros Townsend said he could \"understand\" why Watkins may want to pursue a move to Saudi Arabia.",
  "key_points": [
    "Andros Townsend suggests Watkins' desire to move to Saudi Arabia is understandable.",
    "Chris Sutton claims fans believe Watkins has thrown his manager under the bus.",
    "Al-Hilal, a Saudi Arabian club, is pursuing Watkins."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}