Aston Villa sells Ollie Watkins to Al Hilal, signs Nicolas Jackson
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 27, 2026, 9:33 AM
Last updated Aug 27, 2026
Aston Villa has reached an agreement to sell forward Ollie Watkins to Al Hilal for £50 million. In a related move, they are set to sign Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson, a deal that could reach £65 million. Watkins had been courted by Al Hilal previously, but Villa initially rejected bids. Jackson, who spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich, is familiar with Villa manager Unai Emery from their time at Villarreal. The completion of these transfers significantly reshapes Villa's attacking options as the summer transfer window progresses.
- •Aston Villa sells Ollie Watkins for £50 million.
- •Nicolas Jackson to join Villa for a potential £65 million.
- •Watkins had interests from Al Hilal, with multiple bids made.
- •Jackson previously played under Unai Emery at Villarreal.
- •Jackson's transfer follows a loan spell at Bayern Munich.
- 7:14 PMBBC Sport — What will Jackson bring to Villa with Watkins set for exit?
- 9:33 AMYahoo Sports — Jackson deal expected to trigger Watkins exit
"If Senegal international Nicolas Jackson agrees personal terms and completes the switch to Aston Villa from Chelsea, his arrival is expected to trigger Ollie Watkins' move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. A deal worth about £51m will see the 30-year-old leave Villa Park, having joined the club from Brentford in 2020 and become their record Premier League goalscorer with 108 top-flight goals. Villa had been preparing to sell Watkins, but they needed to replace him before sanctioning a move.
"Aston Villa have agreed a deal to sell Ollie Watkins to Al Hilal, and are set to replace him with Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson.
"BBC Sport examines what new striker Nicolas Jackson will bring to Aston Villa, with Ollie Watkins looking set to join Al-Hilal.
Sources
External links- BBC SportAug 28, 2026, 7:14 PMWhat will Jackson bring to Villa with Watkins set for exit?
BBC Sport examines what new striker Nicolas Jackson will bring to Aston Villa, with Ollie Watkins looking set to join Al-Hilal.
- Yahoo SportsAug 27, 2026, 9:33 AMJackson deal expected to trigger Watkins exit
If Senegal international Nicolas Jackson agrees personal terms and completes the switch to Aston Villa from Chelsea, his arrival is expected to trigger Ollie Watkins' move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. A deal worth about £51m will see the 30-year-old leave Villa Park, having joined the club from Brentford in 2020 and become their record Premier League goalscorer with 108 top-flight goals. Villa had been preparing to sell Watkins, but they needed to replace him before sanctioning a move.
- Sky Sports—Villa agree Watkins sale, Jackson lined up as replacement
Aston Villa have agreed a deal to sell Ollie Watkins to Al Hilal, and are set to replace him with Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson.
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