'Proud to be Blue' - Al Hilal complete Ollie Watkins signing from Aston Villa

Al Hilal have bolstered their ranks with the eye-catching signing of Ollie Watkins from English Premier League club Aston Villa.

The 2023-24 Roshn Saudi League champions confirmed the transfer on Sunday night, with Watkins having agreed to a three-year deal.

Speaking on the club's official social media, Watkins said: "Proud to be blue. Proud to be Al Hilal."

The England international, 30, arrives in the Kingdom following a superb six years at Villa in which he became the club’s all-time record scorer in the Premier League, with 91 goals.

Last season, Watkins helped the Midlands outfit capture the UEFA Europa League - Villa’s first European trophy in 44 years.

To this point, he has made 24 appearances for England, including representing his national team at the 2024 UEFA European Championship and this summer’s 2026 FIFA World Cup.

At Al Hilal, Watkins joins fellow new foreign recruit Crysencio Summerville, who signed last month from West Ham United.

When announcing the Watkins deal, Al Hilal said they expected the striker to participate in training on Sunday night in preparation for Tuesday’s marquee clash at home to Al Ahli.

Runners-up last year, Al Hilal have started the 2026-27 RSL with three wins from three games, scoring 12 goals.