Ollie Watkins Completes £51m Transfer to Al-Hilal from Aston Villa

Ollie Watkins has officially completed his transfer from Aston Villa to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, with both clubs confirming the deal on Sunday. The England international striker, aged 30, has signed a three-year contract with the Saudi Pro League side, ending a successful six-year tenure at Villa where he became their leading Premier League goalscorer.

Watkins joined Aston Villa and quickly established himself as a key figure in their attack. During the 2025-26 season, he scored 21 goals across all competitions, including five in the Europa League, playing a vital role in helping Unai Emery’s side secure European silverware. His consistent goal-scoring made him a central part of Villa’s ambitions on both domestic and continental fronts.

The reported transfer fee stands at around £51 million, reflecting Al-Hilal’s intent to strengthen their squad with a proven striker. Watkins had two years remaining on his Villa contract, making this move a significant development in the club’s summer transfer activity. His departure follows other notable exits, such as goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez’s move to Chelsea, signaling a period of transition for the Midlands club.

This transfer marks an important turning point for both the player and Aston Villa. For Watkins, it is an opportunity to take on a new challenge in the Saudi Pro League and contribute to Al-Hilal’s domestic and continental ambitions. For Villa, replacing their top Premier League scorer will be crucial as they aim to maintain competitiveness in the Premier League moving forward.

Looking ahead, Aston Villa will likely seek reinforcements before the close of the transfer window to fill the void left by Watkins’ departure. Meanwhile, Al-Hilal will focus on integrating their new signing to enhance their attacking options. Fans and analysts will watch closely to see how Watkins adapts and impacts his new club in the coming season.

Source: theguardian.com