Al-Hilal have officially announced the signing of England international Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa, with the move confirmed before the end of the current summer transfer window.
The arrival of the new striker also signals the imminent departure of France forward Karim Benzema from Al-Hilal. Reports have indicated that the Saudi club have reached a financial settlement with Benzema, making his exit from the club effectively certain.
Al-Hilal revealed Watkins’ signing in a video published on their official account on X. The former Aston Villa striker was shown wearing the club’s shirt before confirming that he had joined the Saudi side.
The announcement brings an end to Watkins’ six-year spell with Aston Villa. In a message shared on his official social media accounts, the player said: “The past six years have been amazing, thank you for the incredible memories, and for always supporting me through the happy times and the difficult ones. Saying goodbye is never easy to this club, as it has been such a big part of my life, both on and off the pitch.”
Watkins is now set to become Al-Hilal’s new attacking option for the period ahead. He will be part of an attacking group that includes Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville, who arrived from West Ham and can operate on either the right or left side.
There is also growing speculation that Al-Hilal have completed a deal for Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli. The reports surrounding Martinelli’s potential arrival have added to the changes being made to the club’s attacking department.
Watkins’ signing therefore comes at a significant point for Al-Hilal, with the club reshaping its forward line while Benzema’s time in Saudi Arabia appears to be coming to an end. The Frenchman’s departure has been linked directly to the arrival of the former Aston Villa player and the reported financial agreement between Benzema and Al-Hilal.
The club’s formal announcement ended the uncertainty over Watkins’ next destination before the summer transfer window closes. It also reinforced expectations that Benzema will leave Al-Hilal, following reports that the two parties have completed the financial arrangements necessary for his exit.
The Saudi club used its social media channels to present Watkins as the latest addition to its squad, while the player’s farewell message confirmed the conclusion of his time at Aston Villa after six years. Attention will now turn to how the new Al-Hilal attack takes shape alongside Summerville, and whether Martinelli’s reported move is finalised.
