Sports News Report
League: Saudi Pro LeagueSport: SoccerCountry: Saudi ArabiaCategory: Rumors

Aston Villa faces Ollie Watkins' potential departure amid Saudi interest

3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 24, 2026, 4:56 PM

Last updated Aug 24, 2026

Aston Villa faces Ollie Watkins' potential departure amid Saudi interest
Summary

Ollie Watkins' time at Aston Villa appears to be ending as interest from Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal grows. Despite four rejected offers close to £40 million, Villa remains firm on its asking price. The striker has reportedly expressed a desire to leave and has been training separately. His absence from the opening match against Brighton, which Villa lost 4-0, has sparked further speculation. Villa aims to resolve Watkins' situation by the transfer deadline next Tuesday, while also addressing Emi Martinez's uncertain future.

Source Links
Yahoo SportsBBC Sport
Key Details
  • •Watkins is 30 and has scored 108 goals for Villa.
  • •Al-Hilal's offers have not met Villa's asking price.
  • •Watkins trained alone after returning from an extended break.
  • •Villa needs to resolve multiple transfer situations before the deadline.
  • •The team suffered a 4-0 loss to Brighton in their season opener.
Latest Updates
  • 4:56 PMYahoo Sports — Watkins' departure would cut deepest - and Villa did not see it coming
  • 4:43 PMBBC Sport — Watkins' departure would cut deepest - and Villa did not see it coming
What they're saying
"

Ollie Watkins has been an Aston Villa legend but it appears his time at the club is nearing a painful end amid interest from Saudi Arabia.

"

Ollie Watkins has been an Aston Villa legend but it appears his time at the club is nearing a painful end amid interest from Saudi Arabia.

Related Teams & Leagues
Aston VillaManchester CityWest Ham UnitedSaudi Pro LeagueSoccer

Sources

External links

Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.

Related Stories

Last 14 days