Al Hilal have agreed all the details of a deal to sign Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, with the England international expected to travel to Saudi Arabia this week.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported the agreement on X, saying: “BREAKING: Al Hilal have now agreed all details of deal to sign Ollie Watkins, here we go!”
Romano added that Aston Villa had accepted Al Hilal’s latest offer, worth €58.4m (£50.4m) plus a further €2m (£1.7m) in add-ons for the striker. The agreement represents the latest move by the Saudi club to strengthen their forward line during the summer transfer window.
“Exclusive details: Aston Villa accepted right now last bid worth €58.4m plus €2m add-ons for the English striker,” Romano wrote. “Green light from#AVFC, travel this week.”
The reported agreement means Watkins is set to leave Aston Villa after Al Hilal received approval from both the club and the player. He is expected to make the journey to Saudi Arabia during the current week, although the source report describes the move as an agreement on the deal rather than confirming that every formal transfer procedure has been completed.
Al Hilal had stepped up their efforts to sign Watkins in recent days as they searched for a new striker to add greater strength to their attacking options. Their interest came while uncertainty continued over the future of Karim Benzema at the club.
Benzema has indicated that he wants to remain with Al Hilal, but the ongoing uncertainty surrounding his position has encouraged the Saudi side to pursue another forward. Watkins consequently became the focus of their recruitment efforts, with negotiations progressing to the point where Aston Villa accepted the latest financial proposal.
The offer consists of a guaranteed €58.4m fee, with the potential for an additional €2m in performance-related or other add-ons. Al Hilal’s agreement with Aston Villa and the player’s approval have now provided the green light for Watkins to travel.
Watkins has been the subject of sustained attention during the current summer transfer market, and the proposed move would see the English striker continue his career in Saudi Arabia with Al Hilal. The club’s pursuit of him forms part of their attempt to reinforce the front of the team while the situation involving Benzema remains unresolved.
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