Ollie Watkins has officially completed a £50 million transfer from Aston Villa to Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal, bringing his six‑year tenure at Villa Park to a close. During his spell with the West Midlands club, the forward amassed an impressive tally of 108 goals in 278 appearances across all competitions, establishing himself as one of Villa’s most prolific marksmen of the modern era. Watkins’ final outing in the famous claret and blue shirt came in the Europa League final, where Aston Villa triumphed 3‑0 over German side Freiburg. The victory not only secured Villa’s first European trophy in 44 years but also provided a fitting curtain‑call for Watkins, who played a pivotal role in the match and helped the team lift the silverware.
After the match, the striker took to Instagram to reflect on his time at the club. In his post he wrote: “Six amazing years has come to an end.
Thank you for the amazing memories and always supporting me through highs and lows.” He added a heartfelt note about his emotional connection to the club: “Saying goodbye is never easy to this club as it's been a massive part of my life on and off the pitch. Once a villain, always a villain.” The phrase "once a villain, always a villain" is a nod to the affectionate nickname Villa fans have given him over the years.
Earlier in the season, Watkins found himself at the centre of a minor controversy when he missed the opening‑week match against Brighton, which ended in a 4‑0 defeat for Villa. Unai Emery, the manager, later disclosed that Watkins had personally apologised to his teammates for his absence. When pressed for details, Emery initially responded with a cryptic “Ask him.
I only can answer it by silence.” However, he later clarified that Watkins had indeed expressed remorse, saying, “Watkins said sorry after Brighton. He made a mistake. He always had good behaviour in the club and with me. He's a fantastic guy.” Emery described their farewell as emotional, noting, “I told him ‘bye’, with a huge hug and a small cry.” In the wake of Watkins’ departure, Villa have already moved quickly to fill the void up front.
The club announced the signing of Nicolas Jackson, a young forward acquired for a club‑record fee that could rise to £65 million, signalling Villa’s intent to remain competitive in the Premier League and on the European stage. In a separate but related development, Aston Villa have reached an agreement in principle with Southampton for the acquisition of centre‑back Taylor Harwood‑Bellis. The proposed deal is valued at around £30 million, comprising a guaranteed £25 million fee plus £5 million in performance‑related add‑ons. The 24‑year‑old defender has featured 134 times for the Saints since arriving from Manchester City and earned a solitary England cap in 2024, scoring once for his country.
Harwood‑Bellis is expected to bolster Villa’s back line, particularly after the departure of Ezri Konsa to Arsenal earlier in the summer. Watkins’ move to Al Hilal reflects a broader trend of high‑profile players opting for lucrative contracts in the Saudi Pro League, a competition that has been investing heavily to attract top talent from Europe. Al Hilal, one of the most successful clubs in Asian football, will benefit from Watkins’ proven goal‑scoring pedigree and his experience in high‑pressure matches such as the Europa League final.
For Watkins, the transfer offers a new challenge, a substantial financial package, and the opportunity to become a marquee player in a rapidly growing league. Fans and pundits alike have weighed in on the transfer. Some view the deal as a win‑win: Villa receive a substantial fee that can be reinvested in the squad, while Watkins gains a fresh environment and a chance to leave a lasting legacy in a different footballing culture.
Others express concern about the impact on the Premier League’s competitive balance, noting that the exodus of talent could affect the league’s global appeal. Regardless of the differing opinions, Watkins’ legacy at Aston Villa is firmly cemented.
His 108 goals place him among the club’s all‑time top scorers, and his contributions to the historic Europa League triumph will be remembered by supporters for generations. As he embarks on his new chapter in Riyadh, the football world will be watching to see how the English striker adapts to life in Saudi Arabia and whether he can replicate his scoring exploits in a different tactical landscape.
Meanwhile, Villa’s acquisition of Harwood‑Bellis signals a proactive approach to squad rebuilding. The defender’s experience in the English Championship and Premier League, combined with his international exposure, should provide the team with added solidity at the heart of defence.
The club’s strategic signings this summer suggest a clear ambition: to remain a contender for European qualification while nurturing young talent capable of delivering long‑term success. In summary, Ollie Watkins’ £50 million switch to Al Hilal marks the end of a memorable six‑year spell at Aston Villa, highlighted by a landmark Europa League victory and a prolific goal‑scoring record. His departure paves the way for new arrivals like Nicolas Jackson and Taylor Harwood‑Bellis, who are poised to shape the next chapter of Villa’s story. The transfer also underscores the growing allure of the Saudi Pro League for elite players seeking fresh challenges and financial rewards.
As both clubs look ahead, the football community will continue to monitor the ripple effects of these high‑profile moves across the Premier League and beyond.