Watkins completes £51m move to Saudi side Al-Hilal
Ollie Watkins has joined Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal from Aston Villa on a three-year deal for £51m, ending a six-year spell with 91 Premier League goals.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Ollie Watkins completes a £51m transfer from Aston Villa to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal
- The 30-year-old striker signs a three-year contract with the Saudi Arabian club
- He departs as Villa's record Premier League scorer with 91 goals across six seasons
The Premier League has witnessed a major departure as Ollie Watkins officially concludes his six-year spell at Aston Villa to embark on a new chapter in the Middle East with Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal, commanded by a reported £51m transfer fee.
During his tenure at Villa Park, the 30-year-old England international played an instrumental role in the club's resurgence under manager Unai Emery, helping establish them as regular top-six contenders and securing the Europa League title—the club's first European trophy in 44 years.
Photo by Vienna Reyes / Unsplash
Ahead of the move, Watkins made himself unavailable for Villa's Premier League opener against Brighton last weekend, an action manager Unai Emery confirmed the player had apologized for.
"Firstly, I would like to say, never did I intend, nor did I imagine, my time at Aston Villa would end this way."
Ollie Watkins
In a heartfelt farewell message posted on social media, Watkins expressed his gratitude to former managers Dean Smith, Steven Gerrard, and particularly Unai Emery, while emphasizing that Birmingham and Aston Villa will always remain his home.
Ollie Watkins' high-profile move to Al-Hilal highlights the ongoing influx of established Premier League talent into the Saudi Pro League. For Aston Villa, replacing a talismanic striker who broke numerous club records presents an immediate tactical challenge for Unai Emery as they navigate domestic and European campaigns.
Source: BBC Sport
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