Al-Hilal and Aston Villa officially announced Ollie Watkins’ transfer on August 30, 2026, with the striker signing a three-year deal at the Saudi Pro League club for a reported £51 million [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
Watkins, 30, leaves Aston Villa as the club’s record Premier League goalscorer with 91 league goals and a total of 108 goals across all competitions since joining from Brentford in 2020 for £28 million [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. Last season, he scored 21 goals, including five in the Europa League, helping Villa secure their first European trophy in 44 years [1, 2, 3, 4, 6].
The England international, who has 24 caps and 7 goals for his country, still had two years remaining on his Aston Villa contract before the transfer [2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. Villa manager Unai Emery said Watkins apologized for making himself unavailable for Villa’s Premier League opener against Brighton earlier this month. Emery added, "I had small tears as I said goodbye to Ollie Watkins, a fantastic player... Last week I was disappointed by Watkins making himself unavailable for the Brighton game, but we talked it through and what he did doesn't erase all the good he has done here" [1, 5].
In an emotional farewell on social media, Watkins said, "Never did I intend, nor did I imagine, my time at Aston Villa would end this way... I am eternally grateful for the last six years. We’ve been through ups and downs, but I have given everything for this club." He thanked former managers Dean Smith, Steven Gerrard, and Emery, adding that Birmingham would always be home [1].
Al-Hilal highlighted Watkins will join a squad featuring world-class players such as former Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema and French World Cup winner Theo Hernandez [5]. Watkins is expected to make his debut for Al-Hilal against Al Ahli on September 1 in the Saudi Pro League [5].
Several Aston Villa players, including Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Lucas Digne, and Ezri Konsa, also left the club during the summer [1, 2, 3, 4, 6]. Villa are reportedly close to signing Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis for around £29 million [1].
