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Al-Hilal signs Ollie Watkins for £51 million

8/31/2026

25 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Watkins Joins Al-Hilal

Al-Hilal sign England striker Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa for a reported £51 million.
Watkins agrees to a three-year contract after netting 21 goals for Villa last season.
He joins fellow Saudi league forwards Crysencio Summerville and Gabriel Martinelli at Al-Hilal.
Manager Simone Inzaghi says Watkins must press, drop behind defenders and excel in transitions.
His performance will be judged by goal tally rather than the star-filled roster.

Summary

Watkins Bids Farewell

Watkins posted a farewell video thanking fans and noting his children watching him at Villa Park.
Manager Unai Emery admitted shedding tears while hugging Watkins, describing him as “more than a player”.
Fans shared social-media tributes, recalling his 7-2 Liverpool hat-trick and lamenting his Brighton absence.
Jacob Tanswell tweeted “huge hug and a small cry,” urging Villa supporters to back the club’s rebuild.

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Watkins Joins Al-Hilal

Al-Hilal sign England striker Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa for a reported £51 million.
Watkins agrees to a three-year contract after netting 21 goals for Villa last season.
He joins fellow Saudi league forwards Crysencio Summerville and Gabriel Martinelli at Al-Hilal.
Manager Simone Inzaghi says Watkins must press, drop behind defenders and excel in transitions.
His performance will be judged by goal tally rather than the star-filled roster.

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