Watkins scores on Saudi Pro League debut

England international Ollie Watkins made his Saudi Pro League debut with a goal as Al-Hilal defeated Al-Ahli 3-0, ensuring their strong start to the new season. The 30-year-old, who completed a £51m transfer from Aston Villa last week, opened his scoring record for his new club when he headed the ball in off a Sultan Mandash cross just four minutes from the final whistle.

Formerly a player for Exeter City, Weston-super-Mare, and Brentford, Watkins was substituted at halftime, coming on for Al-Hilal after goals from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Crysencio Summerville during the first half. The win shifted Al-Hilal back to the top of the Saudi Pro League after securing all three points from their opening four games.

Having joined Villa from Brentford in 2020, Watkins scored over a dozen goals in each of his six seasons at the club, making him Villa's all-time Premier League top scorer. He played a crucial role as the team clinched the Europa League title last season. Al-Hilal manager Simone Inzaghi expressed his disappointment as he bid farewell to Watkins, acknowledging the player as "fantastic."

This summer has seen a series of departures from Villa, including Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa, Youri Tielemans, Lucas Digne, and Emiliano Martinez. Exeter City expects to receive a sell-on clause payment due to Watkins' move to the Saudi Pro League, as per FIFA's solidarity payment mechanism. The club assured its supporters that any funds received from the £51m deal would be utilized for the club's long-term security and stability.