Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins has completed his move to Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal in a deal reported to be worth €58.4 million plus €2 million in add-ons. According to Fabrizio Romano, Aston Villa gave the green light to the transfer, sealing one of the summer's most talked-about departures.
Watkins has been a key figure for Villa in recent seasons, but persistent transfer speculation throughout the window ultimately culminated in this switch. His move continues the growing trend of Premier League stars making the switch to Saudi Arabia, joining a host of other high-profile names who have made similar moves in recent years.
For Aston Villa, the sale brings in a significant fee as the transfer window nears its close, potentially freeing up funds for further squad reinforcements before the deadline. For Watkins, it marks a major new chapter in his career as he steps into one of the fastest-growing leagues in world football.
The move is expected to be formalized soon, with Watkins reportedly set to undergo a medical before full confirmation.
What's your take—a smart cash-in for Villa, or a player leaving his prime years behind for a payday?