Ollie Watkins Joins Al-Hilal in £51m Transfer from Aston Villa

Ollie Watkins has completed a significant move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal, departing Aston Villa for a reported fee of £51 million. The 30-year-old striker, who holds the record for the most goals scored in the Premier League for Villa with 91, has signed a three-year contract with his new club.

During his six years at Aston Villa, Watkins played an instrumental role in the team’s resurgence under manager Unai Emery. His contributions helped the club establish itself as a regular contender for top-six finishes in the Premier League and culminated in winning the Europa League, marking Villa’s first European trophy in 44 years.

Watkins made headlines recently by opting out of Villa’s Premier League opener against Brighton, a decision that manager Unai Emery confirmed was communicated with an apology from the player. In a heartfelt message on social media, Watkins expressed his gratitude for his time at Villa, stating, “Never did I intend, nor did I imagine, my time at Aston Villa would end this way. With that being said, I am eternally grateful for the last six years. Not only has it shaped me as a player, but as a person.”

He reflected on the journey with the club, acknowledging the ups and downs experienced during his tenure, but emphasised his unwavering commitment to Villa: “One thing that has never changed is that I have given everything for this club.”

As Watkins embarks on this new chapter in his career, fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how he adapts to the Saudi Pro League and what impact he will have at Al-Hilal, a club known for attracting top talent from around the world.

Source: This original report was produced by WTGO Newsroom using verified reporting from BBC Sport.