Watkins joins Saudis Al Hilal from Villa

Saudi club Al Hilal has announced the signing of England forward Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa, according to a statement released on Sunday. The 30-year-old Watkins has agreed to a three-year contract with the Riyadh-based team, with an estimated transfer fee of £50 million (US$68 million). Watkins will be eligible to play in Al Hilal's upcoming league match against Al Ahli on Tuesday.

The Saudi Arabian club's squad already features notable players such as former Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema and Crysencio Summerville, who joined from West Ham United earlier in the transfer window. Watkins brings valuable experience to the team, having scored seven goals in 24 appearances for England.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery had expressed disappointment with Watkins for refusing to participate in last weekend's 4-0 defeat to Brighton, as he sought to expedite the player's move to Al Hilal. However, Emery later acknowledged that there were no lingering hard feelings between the two parties. Emery praised Watkins, stating that he is "a fantastic player, fantastic guy, and one mistake is not closing all the good things he did here."

Watkins began his professional career at Exeter City in League Two before moving to Brentford in the Championship. He then joined Aston Villa, where he spent six successful seasons, including a Europa League triumph last season.