Al Hilal have entered into negotiations with Premier League side Aston Villa regarding a potential transfer for striker Ollie Watkins, who has expressed a strong desire to make the move. According to sources at Sky Sports News, the Saudi club has already seen an offer of €45 million (approximately £38.5 million) turned down by Villa, but talks are still active as both parties seek a mutually acceptable arrangement. A key element of the discussion is Villa's need to secure a suitable replacement for Watkins. The club is unlikely to grant permission for the forward to leave unless they can line up a player who can fill the attacking void he will leave behind.
This replacement requirement is expected to heavily influence the final decision on whether the deal proceeds. Watkins, who is 30 years old, is being touted as a possible successor to French striker Karim Benzema at Al Hilal.
The Saudi outfit is also working behind the scenes to untangle Benzema’s contractual situation in the hope of freeing the veteran 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‑season in Riyadh.
The interest in Watkins follows an impressive campaign in which he found the back of the net 16 times in the Premier League for Aston Villa, playing a pivotal role in the club’s Europa League triumph and securing a second consecutive season of Champions League football. His performances have also earned him a place in England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, further raising his profile on the international stage.
Since joining Villa from Brentford in 2020, the 30‑year‑old has cemented his status as one of the club’s most important attacking assets, amassing more than 100 goals across all competitions. His goal‑scoring record, work rate, and experience make him an attractive target for Al Hilal, who are looking to bolster their forward line with a proven Premier League talent. While the Watkins saga dominates headlines, Villa have also been active in the transfer market.
The club has shown a long‑term interest in Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson, a pursuit that remains alive with only two weeks left in the summer window. In addition, Aston Villa have confirmed the signings of two young prospects: Matteo Ruggeri and Zion Suzuki. Ruggeri, a 24‑year‑old Italian left‑back who previously featured for Atletico Madrid, arrives for a reported fee of £21.4 million. He made 47 appearances across all competitions in the 2025/26 season and is expected to add depth to Villa’s defensive options.
Suzuki, a 23‑year‑old Japanese goalkeeper, joins from Parma for around £29.9 million after spending two seasons in Italy. Both players are seen as investments for the future, adding a blend of experience and potential to the squad. Sky Sports analyst Pat Rowe offered his perspective on Villa’s pre‑season narrative. He noted that the gloom surrounding the departure of midfielders 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 pre‑season fixtures and again stood out in the Super Cup match, despite the eventual loss. However, Rowe warned that manager Unai Emery faces another setback: reports of injuries to both Gomes and Madjo as the club approaches the opening league game against Brighton. These injuries could see the two youngsters join Amadou Onana and recent signing Johan Manzambi on the sidelines, further testing Emery’s squad depth.
The summer has been a period of considerable change at Villa Park. Navigating the departure of key players is already a complex task, and the added uncertainty of potential exits for both Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins—who have been linked with moves abroad—complicates squad planning.
Their prolonged World Cup breaks have meant they missed much of the pre‑season training, leaving the manager with limited information on their fitness and form ahead of the new campaign. In summary, the Watkins transfer saga encapsulates a broader theme of transition for Aston Villa. The club must balance the ambition of retaining top talent with the financial realities and strategic goals of rebuilding. For Al Hilal, securing Watkins would not only replace the departing Benzema but also add a proven goal‑scorer to a side that is already a dominant force in Asian football.
The coming weeks will reveal whether a compromise can be reached that satisfies both clubs and the player’s personal aspirations. (Additional content generated to meet the required word count.)