Al Hilal are actively negotiating with Aston Villa in an attempt to secure the services of striker Ollie Watkins, who has publicly indicated his enthusiasm for a move to the Saudi club. According to Sky Sports News, the Saudi side have already had a €45 million (£38.5 million) bid turned down by Villa, but talks remain alive as both parties continue to search for a mutually acceptable arrangement. The English club’s willingness to let Watkins depart will likely hinge on their ability to find a suitable replacement. Villa’s transfer strategy this summer has been shaped by the need to plug the gap left by their leading goal‑getter, and any decision on Watkins will be evaluated against the progress of that search.
Watkins, who is 30 years old, is being earmarked by Al Hilal as a potential successor to French star Karim Benzema. The Saudi outfit are also reportedly working behind the scenes to resolve Benzema’s contractual situation, hoping to free the Frenchman for a departure that would open a coveted striker’s slot. Benzema arrived in Riyadh from Al Ittihad in February on an 18‑month contract, but his future has become uncertain after a mixed start.
He recorded ten goals in fifteen appearances during the first half of the season, a respectable return that nevertheless leaves questions about his long‑term role at the club. Al Hilal’s interest in Watkins follows a prolific campaign in England, where he netted sixteen league goals for Aston Villa and played a pivotal role in the club’s Europa League triumph, which secured 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 top‑level forward. The 30‑year‑old striker has been a cornerstone of Villa’s attack since his arrival from Brentford in 2020, amassing more than one hundred goals across all competitions.
His consistency and knack for scoring in big games have made him a fan favourite and a valuable asset on the market. Meanwhile, Villa’s transfer agenda remains busy. The club have long expressed interest in Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson, a pursuit that continues with just two weeks left in the summer window. In addition, Aston Villa have confirmed the acquisitions of Matteo Ruggeri and Zion Suzuki.
Former Italy under‑21 left‑back Ruggeri, 24, joins from Atletico Madrid for a reported £21.4 million after making 47 appearances in all competitions during the 2025/26 season. Japanese goalkeeper Suzuki, 23, arrives from Parma for £29.9 million, bringing international experience after two years in Italy’s lower divisions.
Sky Sports analyst Pat Rowe offered his perspective on the pre‑season atmosphere at Villa Park. He noted that the gloom that followed the departures of Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans was briefly lifted by the team’s spirited performance against Paris Saint‑Germain in the UEFA Super Cup final. New arrivals Joao Gomes and 17‑year‑old Brian Madjo impressed during the match, despite the eventual loss. However, the optimism was tempered by injury reports that have hit manager Unai Emery.
Both Gomes and Madjo are now listed as doubtful for the opening league fixture against Brighton, joining the injury list that already includes midfielders Amadou Onana and recent signing Johan Manzambi. The summer has been a period of significant change at Villa Park, with key exits, new signings, and a series of injuries complicating the squad’s preparation. The lack of a full pre‑season for defenders Ezri Konsa and striker Ollie Watkins—who have both been linked with moves away—due to extended World Cup breaks adds another layer of uncertainty. As a result, the starting XI and overall team performance at the Amex Stadium could see unexpected variations once the Premier League season kicks off.
In summary, Al Hilal’s pursuit of Watkins reflects their ambition to reinforce their attacking line‑up with a proven Premier League goal‑scorer, while Aston Villa must balance the financial lure of a substantial offer against the sporting necessity of replacing a player who has been integral to their recent successes. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether a deal materialises, how Benzema’s future unfolds, and what impact these moves will have on both clubs’ campaigns ahead.
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