{
  "id": 5373654,
  "title": "Saudi Pro League ‘is Premier League quality’, says Watkins",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/saudi-pro-league-is-premier-league-quality-says-watkins-5373654",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-03T17:38:29.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/saudi-pro-league-is-premier-league-quality-says-watkins/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ollie Watkins, after his impressive debut for Al-Hilal, has declared the Saudi Pro League to be of \"Premier League quality\". The England international scored a goal in Al-Hilal's 3-0 victory over Al-Ahli, showcasing the high level of play in the league. Watkins praised the match's physicality and the exceptional skill displayed by the teams. The player, who transferred to Al-Hilal from Aston Villa for £51m, expressed his desire to win trophies and be part of a successful team. Despite being short on match sharpness due to limited training time, Watkins indicated that he would soon regain his form and capitalize on the opportunities presented to him.",
  "summary": "Ollie Watkins claims the Saudi Pro League is ‘Premier League quality’ after scoring on his Al-Hilal debut. Read his thoughts on the move and league standar Read More: https://punchng.com/saudi-pro-league-is-premier-league-quality-says-watkins/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "France 24",
        "title": "Premier League sets new transfer market record",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/premier-league-sets-new-transfer-market-record",
        "published": "2026-09-03T10:51:37.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "BusinessDay Nigeria",
        "title": "Iwobi one game away from Premier League history",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/iwobi-one-game-away-from-premier-league-history",
        "published": "2026-09-03T11:09:52.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Sangaré, Lewis-Potter and Schade nominated for Premier League awards",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/sangare-lewis-potter-and-schade-nominated-for-premier-league-awards",
        "published": "2026-09-03T12:00:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "Saudi Pro League ‘is Premier League quality’, says Watkins",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/saudi-pro-league-is-premier-league-quality-says-watkins",
        "published": "2026-09-03T17:18:29.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}