Watkins Departs Villa for Al-Hilal in £51m Shock
Ollie Watkins has finalized his £51m transfer to Al-Hilal. The striker revealed he never expected his Aston Villa career to conclude in this manner, marking a dramatic exit from the Premier League.
Ollie Watkins has officially completed his £51 million transfer to Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal, ending his tenure at Aston Villa. The move, finalized on August 30, 2026, represents a significant financial milestone in the ongoing wave of high-profile departures to the Saudi Pro League. In a candid assessment of his exit, Watkins expressed surprise at the trajectory of his career, stating he never imagined or intended his time at Aston Villa to end in such a manner. The striker’s departure leaves a substantial void in the Premier League squad, prompting immediate speculation regarding potential replacements. While the financial terms of the deal are substantial, the emotional aspect of the transfer is highlighted by Watkins’ public remarks on the unexpected nature of his exit. This transaction further cements the trend of elite English talent migrating to Middle Eastern clubs, reshaping the competitive landscape for both the departing and receiving teams. Fans and analysts will now watch how Al-Hilal integrates Watkins into their squad for the upcoming season.
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