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Ollie Watkins completes £51m transfer from Aston Villa to Al-Hilal

The 30-year-old England striker joins the Saudi Pro League side on a three-year contract following six seasons at Villa Park.

The short version

  • Ollie Watkins has finalized a £51 million transfer from Aston Villa to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal on a three-year deal.
  • Watkins departs as Aston Villa's record Premier League goalscorer, having netted 91 goals during his six-year tenure.
  • Aston Villa continues a major squad overhaul to comply with UEFA financial regulations, including closing in on Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

Key facts

  • Ollie Watkins joined Saudi Pro League team Al-Hilal from Aston Villa for a reported £51 million fee on a three-year deal.[BBC News]
  • Watkins scored a club-record 91 Premier League goals across six seasons with Aston Villa.[BBC News]
  • Aston Villa is nearing a £29 million deal to acquire Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis, structured as £25 million upfront plus £4 million in add-ons.[BBC News]
  • Aston Villa has undertaken widespread roster restructuring this summer to meet UEFA squad cost ratio rules.[BBC News]

What remains uncertain

  • The final completion of Taylor Harwood-Bellis's transfer to Aston Villa depends on resolving minor remaining details before the deadline.[BBC News]

Sources