Ollie Watkins Completes £51m Al-Hilal Transfer from Villa

Ollie Watkins has completed his £51m transfer from Aston Villa to Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal, bringing an emotional end to his six-year spell at Villa Park.

The 30-year-old England international has signed a three-year contract with the Saudi club after becoming Aston Villa's record Premier League goalscorer with 91 goals.

Watkins' departure follows a remarkable period in which he played a major role in Villa's transformation under Unai Emery, including their return to European football and their memorable Europa League triumph.

Watkins reflects on emotional Aston Villa exit

Watkins admitted he never expected his Aston Villa career to end in this manner but expressed his gratitude for everything he experienced during his time at the club.

The striker spent six seasons with Villa and described the period as one that shaped him both professionally and personally.

He also highlighted the club's journey from his early goals, including his memorable contribution to the 7-2 victory over Liverpool, to European nights at Villa Park and the team's Europa League success.

Villa's European triumph was particularly significant, ending a 44-year wait for a European trophy.

Watkins also revealed how deeply connected his family became to the club and the city. His two children were born in Birmingham, while memories of them walking onto the pitch and hearing supporters sing his name will remain special to him.

He added that Birmingham and Aston Villa would always feel like home.

Record goalscorer leaves lasting Villa legacy

Watkins leaves Aston Villa as the club's record Premier League goalscorer, having found the net 91 times during his time in the competition.

His goals were an important part of Villa's rise into regular top-six contenders under Emery.

The striker also played a key role during the club's return to the Champions League, featuring in memorable European nights at Villa Park before helping Villa secure the Europa League trophy.

Emery paid tribute to Watkins after his departure, saying he had "small tears" while saying goodbye to the "fantastic" striker.

Watkins' exit is part of a major summer of change at Villa, with several other senior players also leaving the club.

Watkins joins growing Al-Hilal squad

At Al-Hilal, Watkins will join a squad that already includes Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville, who moved to Saudi Arabia after West Ham's relegation from the Premier League.

Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli is also expected to travel to Saudi Arabia for a medical with the club.

Watkins' move gives Al-Hilal another experienced Premier League forward as the Saudi Pro League side continues to strengthen its squad.

For Watkins, meanwhile, the transfer represents the beginning of a new chapter after six years in English football with Aston Villa.

Villa already have Watkins replacement

Aston Villa have been preparing for Watkins' departure by reshaping their attacking options.

The club broke their transfer record to sign Nicolas Jackson from Bayern Munich for £65m, with the striker arriving as Watkins' replacement.

Villa had also signed Swiss midfielder Johan Manzambi earlier in the summer, while Joao Gomes, Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and Italy left-back Matteo Ruggeri have joined the squad.

The club are also closing in on a £29m deal for Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis, with the transfer expected to be completed before the deadline once minor details are finalised.

Villa's recruitment drive forms part of a wider restructuring aimed at complying with UEFA's squad cost ratio regulations.

A new chapter for Watkins

Watkins leaves Aston Villa having established himself as one of the club's most important players of the modern era.

From his early Premier League goals to European success and a record-breaking tally, his six-year spell delivered some of the most memorable moments of Villa's recent rise.

Now, after completing his £51m transfer, Watkins begins a new chapter with Al-Hilal on a three-year deal.

Key Takeaways

• Ollie Watkins has completed a £51m transfer from Aston Villa to Al-Hilal.
• The 30-year-old striker has signed a three-year deal with the Saudi Pro League club.
• Watkins leaves Villa as their record Premier League goalscorer with 91 goals.
• He spent six seasons at Aston Villa.
• Watkins helped Villa establish themselves as regular top-six contenders under Unai Emery.
• He played a key role in Villa's Europa League triumph.
• Watkins described Birmingham and Aston Villa as places that will always feel like home.
• Nicolas Jackson has already joined Villa from Bayern Munich as Watkins' replacement.
• Villa are also closing in on a £29m deal for Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

SportsLigue