Al Hilal are currently engaged in negotiations with Aston Villa over a potential transfer for striker Ollie Watkins, who has expressed a strong desire to join the Saudi Arabian side. According to Sky Sports News, the Saudi club has already had a €45 million (£38.5 million) bid turned down by Villa, yet both parties remain at the negotiating table, seeking a mutually acceptable arrangement. One of the key variables in the deal is Villa's need to secure a suitable replacement for Watkins. The club is expected to factor this requirement into any decision to allow the forward to depart, ensuring that the squad remains competitive for the upcoming season.
Watkins, now 30, is being linked as a possible successor to Karim Benzema at Al Hilal. The Saudi giants are also reportedly working on a solution to untangle Benzema's contractual situation, aiming to free the French striker for a move elsewhere. Benzema arrived at Al Hilal from Al Ittihad in February on an 18‑month contract, but his future has become uncertain despite a promising start that saw him net ten goals in fifteen appearances during the first half‑season in Riyadh. The interest in Watkins follows a prolific campaign in which he recorded sixteen league goals for Aston Villa, playing a pivotal role in the club's Europa League triumph and securing a further season of Champions League football.
His performances also earned him a place in England's squad for the 2026 World Cup, underscoring his status as a high‑profile target. Since joining Villa from Brentford in 2020, the 30‑year‑old has cemented his reputation as one of the team’s primary attacking outlets, amassing more than one hundred goals across all competitions. His goal‑scoring record and experience in European competitions make him an attractive prospect for Al Hilal, who are looking to reinforce their attacking options as they aim to dominate both domestically and on the Asian stage.
While the Watkins saga unfolds, Villa continue to pursue other transfer objectives. The club maintains a long‑term interest in Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson, a pursuit that remains active with just two weeks left in the summer window.
In addition, Villa have confirmed the acquisitions of Matteo Ruggeri and Zion Suzuki. Ruggeri, a 24‑year‑old former Italy U21 left‑back, arrives from Atletico Madrid for a reported £21.4 million after making 47 appearances in all competitions during the 2025/26 season. Suzuki, a 23‑year‑old Japanese goalkeeper, joins from Parma for £29.9 million after two years of development in Italy. Sky Sports analyst Pat Rowe offered his perspective on Villa’s pre‑season, noting that the gloom surrounding the departures of Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans was briefly alleviated by a spirited performance against Paris Saint‑Germain in the UEFA Super Cup final.
New signings João Gomes and 17‑year‑old Brian Madjo impressed during the match, despite the eventual loss. However, manager Unai Emery faced another setback as reports emerged of injuries to both Gomes and Madjo ahead of the season opener against Brighton. These players are expected to join Amadou Onana and recent acquisition Johan Manzambi on the injury list.
The summer has been a period of significant transition at Villa Park. Navigating the departure of key players, managing injuries, and coping with the lack of a full pre‑season for veterans like Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins—who have both been linked with moves away—pose considerable challenges for Emery’s side. The extended World Cup break further complicated matters, leaving the squad without the usual preparatory matches that help cement tactical cohesion. As a result, both the starting eleven and overall team performance could see unexpected fluctuations once competitive fixtures commence at the Amex Stadium.
In summary, the potential transfer of Ollie Watkins to Al Hilal remains in a state of flux, with a substantial bid already rejected and further negotiations ongoing. Villa must balance their financial considerations with the sporting necessity of finding a capable replacement, while also addressing other transfer targets and injury concerns. The outcome of these talks will shape the composition of both clubs for the forthcoming season, influencing domestic campaigns in the Premier League and Saudi Pro League as well as continental competitions across Europe and Asia.