Watkins Signs 3 Years Contract With Al-Hilal

Aston Villa’s all-time Premier League leading scorer, Ollie Watkins, has officially finalised his transfer to Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal in a deal valued at £51 million.

The 30-year-old England international, who netted 91 top-flight goals during his six-year tenure at Villa Park, has committed to a three-year contract with the Riyadh-based club. His departure marks the latest high-profile exit from Villa following a summer overhaul that has also seen Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa, Youri Tielemans, and Lucas Digne leave the West Midlands side.

Watkins was instrumental in Villa’s resurgence under manager Unai Emery, helping transform the club into consistent top-six contenders and securing the Europa League—the club’s first European silverware in 44 years. His exit, however, was not without a hint of tension, as the forward made himself unavailable for Villa’s Premier League season-opener against Brighton the previous weekend—a decision for which Emery confirmed Watkins had since apologised.

In a farewell post on social media, Watkins addressed the circumstances of his departure, stating, “Firstly, I would like to say, never did I intend, nor did I imagine, my time at Aston Villa would end this way.” He went on to express deep gratitude for his spell at the club, adding, “Not only has it shaped me as a player, but as a person. We’ve been through so many ups and downs in my six seasons here, but one thing that has never changed is that I have given everything for this club.”

Emery, who described the striker as “fantastic,” admitted to having “small tears” during their emotional goodbye. Watkins becomes the second Premier League player to join Al-Hilal this window, following Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville, who departed West Ham after their relegation from the top tier.

Reflecting on his Villa career, Watkins highlighted several defining moments: “From my first goals in the 7-2 win over Liverpool to getting the club back into Europe, the Champions League nights at Villa Park to that unforgettable night in Istanbul and becoming Villa’s record Premier League goalscorer. It is an achievement that I never thought would be possible when I signed for the club.”

He also extended personal thanks to his former managers, acknowledging the roles of Dean Smith, Steven Gerrard, and particularly Emery for their belief in his abilities. Beyond the pitch, Watkins noted the profound personal connection he forged with the region, saying, “My two children were born here, and to see them walk on to the pitch and see you fans sing my name in front of them and my family is something that will always stay with me forever. Birmingham will always be home, and so will Villa.”