Ollie Watkins Completes £51m Move From Aston Villa To Al-Hilal

Ollie Watkins has completed his £51 million transfer from Aston Villa to Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal, bringing his six-year spell with the Premier League club to an end.

According to the BBC, the 30-year-old England international has signed a three-year contract with Al-Hilal after becoming Villa’s record Premier League goalscorer with 91 goals.

Watkins leaves Villa as the club’s record Premier League goalscorer, having scored 91 goals during his time at Villa Park. He played a key role in the club’s development under manager Unai Emery, helping them establish themselves as regular top-six contenders and win the Europa League, their first European trophy in 44 years.

The England international was unavailable for Villa’s Premier League opener against Brighton last weekend after making himself unavailable for selection. Emery subsequently said Watkins had apologised over the decision.

Reflecting on his departure, Watkins said he never expected his time at Villa to end in such circumstances.

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“Firstly, I would like to say, never did I intend, nor did I imagine, my time at Aston Villa would end this way,” Watkins posted on social media.

“With that being said, I am eternally grateful for the last six years. Not only has it shaped me as a player, but as a person.

“We’ve been through so many ups and downs in my six seasons here, but one thing that has never changed is that I have given everything for this club.”

Watkins now begins a new chapter in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal, joining the growing list of high-profile players moving to the Saudi Pro League.