- Al-Hilal have submitted a formal €45M + add ons package to Aston Villa for Ollie Watkins this summer
- Aston Villa have already rejected two previous approaches, and the decision now rests with the club
- Watkins has recorded 108 goals and 47 assists in 278 appearances since joining Aston Villa from Brentford for €34 million in 2020
Al-Hilal Make Third Move for Watkins
Al-Hilal have intensified their attempt to sign Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins by placing an official 45 million euro offer on the table this summer. Fabrizio Romano reports that the proposal, which includes add-ons, has now been submitted to Villa.
The Saudi club have now made three attempts to secure the England international. Villa turned down the first two proposals, and while a formal offer is now in front of them, they still need to approve any sale before a transfer can progress.
🚨 Al Hilal have stepped up their pursuit of Ollie Watkins by submitting a formal €45M + add ons package to Aston Villa.
Watkins is open to making the switch to Saudi Arabia, but the decision now rests with Villa. After knocking back two previous approaches, the club now have… pic.twitter.com/UnJLazm2Lm
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) August 19, 2026
Watkins, who is 30-year-old, is said to be open to moving to Saudi Arabia. However, the next step depends on Aston Villa’s decision.
Saudi Search for a New Attacking Leader
Al-Hilal have also looked at another English centre forward during this window, with Harry Kane previously linked with a move to the Kingdom Arena. The club are trying to bring in a new focal point in attack, with Karim Benzema set to be moved on this summer.
Watkins’ Aston Villa Record
Watkins has been one of the most productive Premier League forwards across recent seasons. Since arriving at Aston Villa from Brentford for €34 million in 2020, he has made 278 appearances for the Birmingham club, scoring 108 goals and providing 47 assists.
Last term, he played 55 times for Villa, registering 21 goals and five assists, helping the club win the Europa League tournament.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Current offer | €45M + add ons package submitted to Aston Villa |
| Al-Hilal attempts | Third attempt to sign Ollie Watkins |
| Previous Aston Villa response | Two previous approaches rejected |
| Watkins’ stance | Open to making the switch to Saudi Arabia |
| Aston Villa career record | 278 appearances, 108 goals, 47 assists |
| 2025/26 Season Stats | 55 appearances, 21 goals, 5 assists |
England Involvement
Watkins was selected for England’s 2026 World Cup squad in the United States, Canada and Mexico. He made two substitute appearances and did not record a goal or an assist.
