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.