Al Hilal are actively negotiating with Aston Villa over 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 has already had a €45 million (£38.5 million) offer turned down by Villa, but discussions are still underway as both parties search for a mutually acceptable solution. A crucial element in the talks is Villa's need to secure a suitable replacement for Watkins. The club is expected to weigh the financial and sporting implications of letting their leading forward depart, and the prospect of finding a new striker will likely influence their willingness to permit the move.
At 30 years old, Watkins is being touted as a possible successor to Karim Benzema at Al Hilal. The Saudi giants are also working behind the scenes to untangle Benzema's contractual situation, hoping to free the French star to leave the club. Benzema arrived from Al Ittihad in February on an 18‑month contract, but his future now hangs in the balance after a solid debut season in which he netted ten goals in fifteen appearances for the Riyadh‑based outfit.
Watkins' appeal to Al Hilal stems from his impressive record in the Premier League. He finished the last campaign with sixteen league goals for Aston Villa, playing a pivotal role in the club's Europa League triumph 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.
Since his arrival from Brentford in 2020, the 30‑year‑old has become one of Villa's most reliable attacking assets, amassing over one hundred goals across all competitions. His consistency and knack for finding the back of the net have made him a fan favourite and a valuable commercial asset for the club.
Meanwhile, Villa have been busy reinforcing their squad as the transfer window draws to a close. They have confirmed the signings of Matteo Ruggeri and Zion Suzuki. Ruggeri, a 24‑year‑old former Italy U21 left‑back, joins from Atletico Madrid for a fee of £21.4 million after making 47 appearances for the Spanish side in the 2025/26 season.
Suzuki, a 23‑year‑old Japanese goalkeeper, arrives from Parma for £29.9 million, bringing international experience after two years in Italy. The club also retains a long‑term interest in Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson, indicating that Villa are still looking to bolster their attacking options even as the deadline approaches. Sky Sports analyst Pat Rowe highlighted the mixed mood surrounding Villa's pre‑season. After a disappointing start marked by the departures of Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans, the team enjoyed a brief uplift when they faced 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, manager Unai Emery has been dealt another setback. Reports suggest that both Gomes and Madjo have picked up injuries ahead of the opening league fixture against Brighton, joining Amadou Onana and recent signing Johan Manzambi on the injury list.
This spate of setbacks compounds the challenges Villa face in a summer marked by significant turnover. The absence of key players such as Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins, who have been linked with moves away, is further exacerbated by their extended World Cup breaks, leaving the Amex Stadium squad thin at the start of the season.
These factors could lead to unexpected line‑up changes and potentially affect Villa's early performances in the Premier League. In summary, the saga surrounding Ollie Watkins' possible move to Al Hilal illustrates the complex interplay between player ambition, club finances, and squad planning.
While Al Hilal are prepared to meet a substantial price tag, Aston Villa must balance the loss of a proven goal‑scorer against the need to rebuild and remain competitive domestically and in Europe. The coming weeks will reveal whether a deal can be struck that satisfies both clubs and the player, or if Watkins will remain at Villa Park to continue his prolific career in England.