Al Hilal are currently engaged in discussions with Aston Villa about a possible transfer for striker Ollie Watkins, who has expressed a strong desire to join the Saudi side. According to Sky Sports News, the Saudi club has already had a €45 million (£38.5 million) bid turned down by Villa, but talks are still alive as both parties search for a mutually acceptable solution.
A key element of the negotiation is Villa's need to secure a suitable replacement for Watkins. The club is expected to factor this requirement into any decision to permit the forward’s departure, meaning that the final outcome will hinge not only on Al Hilal's offer but also on the availability of a credible alternative striker for the Premier League side. Watkins, who is 30 years old, is being touted as a prospective successor to Karim Benzema at Al Hilal. The Saudi giants are simultaneously trying to untangle the Frenchman's contractual situation in order to free him for a move.
Benzema arrived at Al Hilal from Al Ittihad in February on an 18‑month contract, but his future now hangs in the balance after a promising start that saw him net ten goals in fifteen matches 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 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 his arrival from Brentford in 2020, the 30‑year‑old has become one of Villa’s most important attacking assets, amassing more than one hundred goals across all competitions. His consistency and knack for finding the net have made him a fan favourite and a regular fixture in manager Unai Emery’s line‑up.
While the Watkins saga unfolds, Villa continue to pursue other transfer targets. The club maintains a long‑term interest in Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson, a pursuit that remains active with only 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, joins 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, arrives from Parma for around £29.9 million after spending two years in Italy.
Sky Sports analyst Pat Rowe offered his perspective on the broader context of Villa’s pre‑season. He noted that the gloom surrounding the departures of Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans was briefly lifted by Villa’s spirited showing against Paris Saint‑Germain in the UEFA Super Cup final.
New signings Joao Gomes and 17‑year‑old Brian Madjo impressed during the match, despite the eventual loss. However, Emery faced another setback when reports emerged of injuries to both Gomes and Madjo ahead of the season opener against Brighton. Those two injuries join those of Amadou Onana and recent signing Johan Manzambi, further depleting the squad’s depth.
The summer has been a period of considerable change at Villa Park. Managing the exit of key players is already a demanding task, and the added complications of injuries and the lack of a full pre‑season for both Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins—who have been linked with moves away—due to extended World Cup breaks, could lead to unexpected challenges for the Amex Stadium line‑up once the Premier League campaign begins. In summary, the potential move of Ollie Watkins to Al Hilal remains in a state of flux. Al Hilal have already seen a substantial offer rejected, yet negotiations continue as both clubs weigh the financial terms, the need for a replacement striker at Villa, and the broader strategic goal of securing a high‑profile forward to fill the void left by Benzema.
As the transfer window draws to a close, fans of both clubs will be watching closely to see whether a deal materialises, how Villa will address their attacking options, and what impact the saga will have on the early stages of the upcoming season.