Previously, the 30-year-old striker had rejected previous informal offers to extend his Villa Park terms beyond 2028. Shaun Botterill/Getty ImagesAug. 30, 2026 Updated 12:44 pm EDTOllie Watkins has joined Al Hilal in a £50million transfer from Aston Villa.The Athletic reported on Thursday the Saudi Pro League side had agreed to pay the fee plus a further small amount in add-ons, having previously had four bids rejected.Previously, the 30-year-old striker had rejected previous informal offers to extend his Villa Park terms beyond 2028.
The wait is over. Watkins is Blue. 💙 pic.twitter.com/DvntaPHb7G
— AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) August 30, 2026Watkins did not feature in Villa’s Premier League-opening loss against Brighton & Hove Albion but returned to training on Monday and apologised to his team-mates.His departure follows Villa’s move to sign Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea for a total package of £65million, while The Athletic reported on Thursday Ipswich Town were working on a loan deal for Tammy Abraham.
The striker joins a list of Villa first-teamers to leave the club this summer, including Youri Tielemans, Emiliano Martinez, Erzi Konsa and Lucas Digne.Watkins was a key part of Unai Emery’s side last term, registering 21 goals and five assists over 55 appearances, including the third goal against Freiburg to help secure the Europa League title. He subsequently went to the World Cup with England and made two appearances — in the final group-stage game against Panama and the third-place play-off win against France.Watkins joined Villa from Brentford in a then club-record fee of £28m, plus £5m in add ons, in 2020. He has made 278 appearances in all competitions, scoring 108 goals and providing 47 assists.
