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 join the Saudi side. According to Sky Sports News, the Saudi club previously submitted a bid of €45 million (approximately £38.5 million) which was turned down by Villa, yet talks have not ceased. Both parties remain at the negotiating table, seeking a structure that satisfies the financial expectations of the English club while meeting the personal terms of the player. A key element of the negotiation is Villa's need to replace Watkins should the deal go through.
The club is expected to factor the availability of a suitable successor into any decision to allow the forward to depart. Finding a replacement who can fill the void left by a player who has become integral to the team’s attacking output is a strategic priority for the management.
Watkins, who is 30 years old, is being earmarked by Al Hilal as a possible successor to French star Karim Benzema. The Saudi giants are simultaneously working on a solution to Benzema’s contractual situation, aiming to free the Frenchman to leave the club.
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 matches during his first half‑season in Riyadh. The interest in Watkins follows a prolific campaign with Aston Villa in which he netted sixteen league goals, playing a pivotal role in the club’s successful Europa League run and securing a place in the following season’s Champions League. His performances also earned him a spot in England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, underscoring his standing as a high‑profile international forward.
Since joining Villa from Brentford in 2020, the 30‑year‑old has cemented his reputation as one of the club’s primary attacking threats, amassing more than one hundred goals across all competitions. His consistent goal‑scoring record and experience in European competition make him an attractive target for a club like Al Hilal, which is looking to bolster its attacking options and maintain its dominance in the Saudi Pro League. 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 transfer window. In addition, Villa have confirmed the signings of two promising young players: Matteo Ruggeri, a 24‑year‑old left‑back from Italy’s Atletico Madrid, secured for £21.4 million after making 47 appearances in the 2025/26 season, and Japan international goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, 23, who joins from Parma for £29.9 million after two seasons in Italy.
Sky Sports analyst Pat Rowe highlighted the mixed mood surrounding Villa’s pre‑season. The departure of midfielders Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans initially cast a shadow over the club’s preparations, but a spirited performance against Paris Saint‑Germain in the UEFA Super Cup provided a brief uplift. New arrivals Joao Gomes and 17‑year‑old Brian Madjo impressed during the pre‑season fixtures and again against PSG, despite the eventual loss. However, manager Unai Emery has faced another setback as reports emerged of injuries to both Gomes and Madjo ahead of the season‑opening clash with Brighton.
These injuries add to the growing list of absentees, which now includes midfielders Amadou Onana and recent signing Johan Manzambi, further complicating the squad selection. The summer has been a period of significant transition at Villa Park.
Managing the departure of key players while integrating new signings is a complex task, especially when injuries and the extended World Cup break have limited pre‑season training for veterans like Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins. Their prolonged absence could lead to unexpected line‑up changes and affect performance levels at the Amex Stadium as the Premier League campaign gets underway.
In summary, the potential move of Ollie Watkins to Al Hilal is still very much alive, with both clubs working through financial and sporting considerations. Villa must balance the desire to cash in on a valuable asset with the necessity of securing a capable replacement to maintain their competitive edge domestically and in Europe. Meanwhile, the club’s broader transfer strategy, including the pursuit of Nicolas Jackson and the recent acquisitions of Ruggeri and Suzuki, suggests a proactive approach to squad building despite the challenges posed by injuries and player departures.