Watkins joins Al Hilal from Aston Villa

English international Ollie Watkins has joined Al Hilal from Aston Villa, as announced by the Saudi Pro League club. Watkins is the latest departure from the Villans this summer, following Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Lucas Digne, and Ezri Konsa.

A heartfelt farewell to Aston Villa supporters

On social media, Watkins expressed his gratitude to Aston Villa fans "from the bottom of his heart" after the announcement of his departure. "I never imagined my journey at Aston Villa would end like this," he said in a video posted on Instagram. "Nevertheless, I am eternally grateful for the past six years. They have not only shaped my career as a player but also as a person. We’ve experienced so many highs and lows over these six seasons." He recalled his unwavering commitment: "One thing never changed: I gave everything for this club. From my first goals in the 7-2 win against Liverpool, through the club’s return to Europe, the European nights at Villa Park, to that unforgettable night in Istanbul." "It’s time to turn the page, a page I leave with a heavy heart. Villa will always be a club close to my heart. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart."

An exceptional legacy at Villa Park

Arriving in 2020 after a successful stint at Brentford, Watkins leaves Aston Villa with an already impressive record. In May, he scored his 75th Premier League goal for the Villans, surpassing Gabriel Agbonlahor and becoming the club’s all-time top scorer in England’s top flight. In total, he scored 108 goals in 278 appearances, notably contributing to last season’s Europa League triumph. On the international stage, he has also represented England 24 times since his debut in 2021, scoring seven goals. In a statement, Aston Villa praised his profile: "Capable of scoring all types of goals with relentless efficiency, coupled with total commitment to the team, Ollie Watkins leaves Villa after playing a key role in our Europa League victory, with the club’s best wishes extended to him."

Aston Villa already in search of a successor

To fill the void left by his departure, the Villans have already found a replacement in Nicolas Jackson, who joins from Chelsea. This move aligns with the club’s summer squad renewal strategy. The financial details of the transfer to Saudi Arabia have not been disclosed by either party.