Aston Villa agree Ollie Watkins sale to Al Hilal

Aston Villa have agreed to sell striker Ollie Watkins to Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal in a deal worth approximately 52 million pounds, marking the end of the England international's six-year tenure at Villa Park. The transfer, confirmed by multiple reports on August 26, 2026, includes a guaranteed base fee of 58.4 million euros (around 51 million pounds) plus 2 million euros in performance-related add-ons. Watkins, who is 30 years old, has already agreed personal terms with Al Hilal and is scheduled to travel to Riyadh this week to complete his medical and sign a long-term contract.

The move follows a summer of speculation, with Watkins having turned down multiple offers to extend his contract at Aston Villa. He was notably absent from the squad for Villa's opening Premier League match against Brighton on August 24, 2026, which the team lost 4-0. His omission was widely interpreted as a sign that his departure was imminent. According to reports, Villa manager Unai Emery had initially shown reluctance to sell, but the club ultimately accepted Al Hilal's improved financial package after several earlier approaches were rejected.

Villa have moved swiftly to secure a replacement,...