Watkins completes £51m move to Al-Hilal

Ollie Watkins has completed his move to Al-Hilal, finalising a £51m switch from Aston Villa, as reported by BBC Sport. The 30-year-old striker signs for three years with the Saudi club.

Watkins leaves Villa after six seasons in which he became the club’s record Premier League scorer with 91 goals. BBC Sport notes his key role in the club’s rise under Unai Emery, their regular top-six challenge, and their Europa League triumph—Villa’s first European trophy in 44 years.

Leaving after six seasons

Watkins was not available for Villa’s Premier League opener against Brighton last weekend. Emery said Watkins apologised for being unavailable.

The England international shared his farewell on social media. “Firstly, I would like to say, never did I intend, nor did I imagine, my time at Aston Villa would end this way,” Watkins wrote. He added: “I am eternally grateful for the last six years” and said his commitment never changed: “one thing that has never changed is that I have given everything for this club.”

Emery described the goodbye as emotional, saying he had “small tears” as he thanked Watkins—while confirming another busy summer of departures, with Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne among those leaving.

Villa move fast on replacements

At Al-Hilal, Watkins links up with a squad that already includes Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville, who left West Ham after their Premier League relegation. Meanwhile, Villa are also active in the market: they are closing in on a £29m deal for Taylor Harwood-Bellis and have already added Johan Manzambi and Nicolas Jackson, described in the report as Watkins’ replacement.