Villa's Watkins joins Saudi club Al Hilal
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England forward Ollie Watkins has transferred from Aston Villa to Saudi club Al Hilal, the club announced on Sunday. The move is valued at £50 million (RM273 million) and follows Villa's signing of Senegal forward Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea. The 30-year-old Watkins signed a three-year contract and will be eligible to play in Al Hilal's upcoming league match against Al Ahli on Tuesday.
He joins a team featuring former Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema and Crysencio Summerville, who joined from West Ham earlier in the transfer window.
Watkins, who has scored seven goals in 24 appearances for England, was criticized by Aston Villa coach Unai Emery for his refusal to play in last weekend's 4-0 defeat to Brighton, as he sought to force his move to Al Hilal. However, Emery later stated that there were no lingering hard feelings. He expressed his disappointment but praised Watkins as a "fantastic player, fantastic guy" and noted that Watkins' contributions to the club were significant.
Emery also addressed the club's recent Europa League victory, which Watkins played a key role in achieving.
Watkins started 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 winning the Europa League last season.
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