Al Hilal are actively negotiating with Aston Villa over the possible acquisition of 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 (approximately £38.5 million) offer turned down by Villa, but talks are still underway as both parties search for a mutually acceptable solution.
A key element in Villa's decision‑making process is the need to secure a suitable replacement for Watkins. The club understands that allowing the forward to leave will only be feasible if they can line up an incoming player who can fill the void left by his departure. This replacement requirement is likely to shape the final terms of any deal.
Watkins, who is 30 years old, is being touted as a potential successor to Karim Benzema at Al Hilal. The Saudi giants are also working on untangling Benzema's contractual situation in order to free the French striker to move on.
Benzema arrived at Al Hilal from Al Ittihad in February on an 18‑month contract, but his future has become uncertain despite a respectable return of ten goals in fifteen appearances during the first half of the season in Riyadh. The interest in Watkins follows an impressive campaign for Aston Villa in which he netted sixteen league goals, playing a pivotal role in the club's triumph in the Europa League and securing another season of Champions League football. His performances have also earned him a place in England's squad for the 2026 World Cup, underscoring his status as a high‑profile target for clubs abroad.
Since arriving from Brentford in 2020, Watkins has cemented his reputation as one of Villa's most influential attacking players, amassing more than one hundred goals for the club across all competitions. His consistent goal‑scoring record, combined with his experience on the international stage, makes him an attractive option for Al Hilal as they look to bolster their forward line. While the Watkins saga unfolds, Villa have continued to pursue other transfer targets. The club maintains a long‑term interest in Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, a pursuit that remains active with only two weeks left in the summer window.
In addition, Villa have confirmed the signings of two promising youngsters: Matteo Ruggeri and Zion Suzuki. Ruggeri, a 24‑year‑old former Italy U21 left‑back, joins from Atletico Madrid for a fee of £21.4 million after making 47 appearances for the Spanish side in the 2025/26 season. Suzuki, a 23‑year‑old Japanese international goalkeeper, arrives from Parma for £29.9 million after spending two years developing his craft in Italy. Sky Sports analyst Pat Rowe offered his perspective on Villa's pre‑season, noting that the gloom that settled over the club after the departures of Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans was briefly lifted by a spirited performance against Paris Saint‑Germain in the UEFA Super Cup final.
New signings Joao Gomes and 17‑year‑old Brian Madjo impressed during pre‑season and again stood out in the Super Cup, despite the eventual loss. However, the optimism was tempered when reports emerged of injuries to both Gomes and Madjo just ahead of the league opener against Brighton. Their injuries mean that manager Unai Emery will have to rely on other options, including Amadou Onana and recent acquisition Johan Manzambi, who are also currently sidelined.
The summer has been a period of considerable change at Villa Park. Managing the departure of key players such as Watkins and dealing with injury setbacks adds another layer of complexity to the club's preparations for the upcoming season. Both Watkins and defender Ezri Konsa missed part of the pre‑season due to extended World Cup breaks, which could affect squad cohesion and performance when the Premier League campaign begins at the Amex Stadium. In summary, the transfer narrative surrounding Ollie Watkins illustrates the intricate balancing act that modern clubs must perform: satisfying a player's personal ambitions, addressing financial considerations, and ensuring that the team remains competitive after the loss of a key figure.
Al Hilal's pursuit of Watkins reflects their broader strategy of attracting top talent from Europe, while Aston Villa must navigate the dual challenges of replacing a prolific striker and coping with injury concerns among other squad members. The coming weeks will be decisive in determining whether Watkins will embark on a new chapter in Saudi Arabia or remain a central figure in Villa's attacking lineup.