BREAKING: Al Hilal Agree £51m Deal to Sign England Forward Ollie Watkins From Aston Villa—-The Saudi Pro League giants have reached an agreement with Aston Villa for the England striker, bringing an end to his six-year spell at Villa Park.

Al Hilal have reached an agreement with Aston Villa to sign England international Ollie Watkins in a deal worth approximately £51 million, according to reports.

The agreement brings an end to a dramatic transfer saga that has dominated Villa’s recent transfer activity, with Watkins now set to leave the club after six seasons at Villa Park.

The 30-year-old striker had been heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia throughout the summer, with Al Hilal making multiple approaches for his signature.

Watkins Pushes for Saudi Move

The transfer saga intensified after Watkins was left out of Aston Villa’s squad for their opening-day defeat to Brighton.

Villa manager Unai Emery was subsequently questioned about the striker’s absence and appeared to indicate that Watkins’ future was a matter for the player and his representatives.

Reports subsequently indicated that Watkins was keen on the move, while Al Hilal continued to increase their efforts to reach an agreement with Villa.

Six-Year Villa Chapter Comes to an End

Watkins joined Aston Villa from Brentford in 2020 and quickly established himself as the club’s leading attacking figure.

He went on to score 108 goals in 278 appearances for Villa, playing a major role in the club’s rise and their recent European success.

His goalscoring record also earned him international recognition with England, including his famous winning goal against the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-final.

Villa Already Have Jackson Lined Up

Watkins’ departure is expected to pave the way for Villa to complete their move for Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea.

Villa have reportedly agreed a £65 million package with Chelsea for the Senegal international, who previously worked with Emery at Villarreal.

The timing of the two deals means Villa could effectively replace one of their most important attackers with Jackson as Emery reshapes his frontline.

A New Chapter in Saudi Arabia

For Watkins, the move represents the beginning of a new chapter after six highly productive years in the Premier League.

The England striker leaves Aston Villa having established himself as one of the club’s most prolific forwards of the modern era.

For Al Hilal, meanwhile, his arrival adds another proven Premier League goalscorer to their attacking options as the Saudi giants continue their aggressive recruitment of elite talent.

BREAKING: Aston Villa Agree £65m Deal to Sign Nicolas Jackson From Chelsea—-Unai Emery is set to reunite with the Senegal international after Villa reached an agreement with Chelsea for a package worth £65 million, according to reports.

Aston Villa have reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign striker Nicolas Jackson in a deal worth £65 million, according to reporting attributed to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

The agreement brings an end to a rapidly developing transfer saga surrounding the Senegal international, who had attracted interest from both Aston Villa and Atlético Madrid.

The reported package is understood to include a £47.5 million initial fee, with a further £17.5 million in performance-related bonuses and add-ons.

Emery Set for Reunion With Jackson

The move will see Jackson reunite with Unai Emery, who worked with the forward during their time at Villarreal.

Emery is believed to have been a major factor in Villa’s pursuit of the 25-year-old, with reports indicating that the manager has remained in close contact with Jackson during negotiations.

Jackson’s pace, movement and ability to operate both centrally and from wider positions are expected to give Emery additional options in attack.

Chelsea Agree £65m Exit

Chelsea had been looking for a permanent solution for Jackson after his loan spell at Bayern Munich last season.

The German club opted against making the move permanent, leaving Jackson’s future at Stamford Bridge uncertain.

Chelsea had maintained a valuation of around £65 million for the striker, with Villa ultimately agreeing to meet that figure.

The transfer would represent a significant piece of business for Chelsea, who signed Jackson from Villarreal in 2023.

Villa Move to Replace Watkins

Jackson’s arrival is closely linked to the expected departure of Ollie Watkins, who is closing in on a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.

Villa have been searching for attacking reinforcements as Watkins’ exit approaches, and Jackson has emerged as their preferred solution.

The Senegalese forward has already scored 24 Premier League goals in 65 appearances for Chelsea, giving Villa a player with considerable experience in England’s top flight.

Jackson Chooses Villa Over Atlético

Atlético Madrid had also been pursuing Jackson and had reportedly reached an understanding with the player over personal terms.

However, Villa’s position strengthened as negotiations with Chelsea progressed, with the Midlands club now understood to be ahead in the race and having agreed the transfer with the Blues.

The agreement represents another major investment from Villa as Emery reshapes his squad ahead of the new campaign.

A New Chapter for Jackson

For Jackson, the move offers an opportunity to revive his career under a manager who already knows his qualities.

After an inconsistent spell at Chelsea and a season on loan at Bayern Munich, the striker will now have the chance to establish himself as a key attacking figure at Villa Park.

If the remaining formalities are completed, Jackson will become one of the biggest signings in Aston Villa’s history and could be tasked with filling the void left by Watkins.