Al-Hilal sign Watkins from Aston Villa on three-year deal

Al-Hilal have confirmed the signing of Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa on a three-year contract. The deal, which was finalized on Sunday, sees the 30-year-old forward join the Saudi Pro League club after a six-year stint with Villa. Financial terms remain undisclosed, though British media outlets reported that Al-Hilal paid approximately £51 million ($69.01 million) for the England international. Watkins had two years remaining on his contract with Villa, which he joined from Brentford in 2020 for £28 million. Watkins, who has been a consistent performer for Villa, scored 21 goals across all competitions during the 2023-24 season. His contributions were pivotal in helping the club secure a European trophy, as they won the Europa League under manager Unai Emery. Despite his success, Watkins' future at Villa was uncertain earlier this summer. Emery revealed that the striker had apologized for making himself unavailable for the club’s Premier League opener, indicating internal tensions that likely contributed to his departure. Throughout his time at Villa, Watkins established himself as one of the club’s most prolific scorers. He netted 91 Premier League goals for the club, breaking their previous record, and added another 108 goals in all competitions since joining from Brentford. His performances earned him recognition at the international level, representing England in multiple tournaments and contributing to their campaign in Euro 2021. Aston Villa have experienced a period of significant player movement ahead of the new season. Alongside Watkins, several key figures have left the club, including forwards Morgan Rogers and Emi Martinez, both of whom joined Chelsea, as well as defenders Ezri Konsa, who moved to Arsenal, and Youri Tielemans, who transferred to Manchester United. These departures reflect a broader restructuring effort by Villa as they aim to rebuild their squad for the upcoming campaigns. The transfer marks a major shift in the landscape of English football, particularly given the growing financial influence of clubs in the Middle East. Al-Hilal, one of the wealthiest teams in the Saudi Pro League, continues to attract high-profile talent, with Watkins being the latest addition to their roster. His experience and goal-scoring ability make him a valuable asset for the club, especially as they look to compete at the highest level in the region. Watkins will now focus on adapting to life in Saudi Arabia and integrating into Al-Hilal’s attacking strategy. With his history of scoring crucial goals, he is expected to play a central role in the team’s ambitions for the coming seasons. As the transfer window closes, attention turns to how these changes will impact both clubs moving forward.