Al Hilal are currently engaged in discussions with Aston Villa regarding a potential transfer for striker Ollie Watkins, who has expressed a strong desire to make the move to Saudi Arabia. According to sources at Sky Sports News, the Saudi side have already had a bid of €45 million (approximately £38.5 million) turned down by Villa, but both clubs remain at the negotiating table, seeking a structure that satisfies all parties.
The situation is further complicated by Villa's need to replace Watkins should he depart. The club’s willingness to allow the forward to leave will likely hinge on whether they can secure a suitable replacement in time for the upcoming season. This replacement factor is a crucial piece of the puzzle for both the player and the two clubs involved.
At 30 years old, Watkins is being earmarked by Al Hilal as a possible successor to French star Karim Benzema. The Saudi giants are also working behind the scenes to untangle Benzema’s contractual situation, hoping to free the Frenchman to move on.
Benzema arrived at Al Hilal from Al Ittihad in February on an 18‑month contract, but his future now appears uncertain despite a respectable return of ten goals in fifteen matches during his first half‑season in Riyadh. Watkins’ appeal to Al Hilal stems from his impressive record in England. He netted 16 league goals for Aston Villa in the most recent campaign, playing a pivotal role in the club’s Europa League triumph and securing a further 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 joining Villa from Brentford in 2020, the 30‑year‑old striker has become one of the team’s primary attacking outlets, amassing more than 100 goals across all competitions. His goal‑scoring consistency and experience in European competitions make him an attractive acquisition for a club like Al Hilal, which is looking to bolster its attacking options while also navigating the departure of a marquee player such as Benzema.
Meanwhile, Villa’s transfer strategy remains active. The club has long expressed interest in Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson, a pursuit that continues with just two weeks left in the summer window.
In addition, Villa have confirmed the signings of two promising young talents: 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 international goalkeeper, joins from Parma for around £29.9 million after two seasons in Italy’s Serie A. Sky Sports analyst Pat Rowe offered his perspective on Villa’s pre‑season mood.
He noted that the gloom surrounding 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 also impressed during the match, despite the eventual loss. However, manager Unai Emery faced another setback when reports emerged of injuries to key players ahead of the season opener against Brighton.
Both Gomes and Madjo are now listed as doubtful, joining Amadou Onana and recent signing Johan Manzambi on the injury list. This spate of injuries, combined with the absence of pre‑season preparation for defenders Ezri Konsa and striker Ollie Watkins—who have been linked with moves away—adds further uncertainty to Villa’s squad planning.
The summer has been a period of significant transition at Villa Park. Navigating the exit of influential players while coping with injuries and the lack of a full pre‑season due to extended World Cup breaks could lead to unexpected challenges for the team at the Amex Stadium. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how Emery adapts his tactics and whether the club’s recruitment targets can fill the gaps left by departing stars. In summary, the potential transfer of Ollie Watkins to Al Hilal represents a major storyline in this summer’s market.
While Al Hilal have already had a sizeable offer rejected, negotiations are ongoing, and the outcome will depend on Villa’s ability to secure a suitable replacement and resolve the contractual complexities surrounding both Watkins and Benzema. The next few weeks will be decisive for both clubs as they aim to shape their squads for the upcoming season. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1 m!
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