Headline: Aston Villa Warned as Al-Hilal Eyes Ollie Watkins with Potential Negotiations Ahead
Aston Villa has received a significant alert regarding the future of striker Ollie Watkins, following reports that Al-Hilal has reached personal terms with the England international. TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey disclosed on August 18 that the Saudi club is poised to begin formal negotiations. However, Al-Hilal must first address the situation surrounding Karim Benzema before proceeding further.
Watkins, 30, concluded a remarkable season, netting 16 goals and providing three assists in 37 Premier League matches. He also contributed five goals and two assists in 15 Europa League appearances, helping Villa secure their first continental trophy since 1982. This success also propelled Watkins to the 2026 World Cup, where England finished third after a thrilling victory over France.
From Aston Villa’s perspective, the timing of this interest from Al-Hilal could not be less opportune. The departure of Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr earlier this year has created a void in the squad, while Tammy Abraham is currently struggling to make an impact due to injury concerns. Additionally, young prospect Brian Madjo is sidelined with an injury, leaving Watkins as the main striker in a squad that needs consistent attacking options. With Watkins having scored 15 or more goals in four consecutive European seasons, his potential loss would create a significant gap that financial compensation alone cannot quickly remedy.
While personal terms have been agreed, this does not guarantee a transfer. Villa is urged to reject any offers that fail to adequately reflect Watkins’ contributions and the significance of his contract, which runs until June 2028. An offer exceeding £60-70 million would shift the conversation, considering Watkins is reaching the peak of his market value.
Should Al-Hilal present such an offer, Villa’s management, including Olabe and Emery, would need to act swiftly. The potential addition of Nicolas Jackson, familiar to Emery from their time at Villarreal, could rejuvenate the front line with fresh talent. Villa’s growing relationship with Saudi clubs, bolstered by recent sales, also positions them to demand a premium price for Watkins.
The complicated situation with Benzema allows Villa time to establish their asking price, as Al-Hilal must first resolve Benzema’s contract before shifting their focus to Watkins. Losing him at this stage would significantly diminish Emery’s options in attack, reinforcing the need for Villa to retain him unless a substantial offer arises that would allow them to secure a suitable replacement.
Aston Villa have received a warning over Ollie Watkins’ future after Al-Hilal agreed personal terms with the England striker, according to TEAMtalk, with Graeme Bailey reporting on 18 August that the Saudi giants now stand ready to open negotiations. Al-Hilal still need to clear Karim Benzema’s situation before they can push ahead.
Aston Villa face a major striker call
Watkins, 30, comes off a campaign. He scored 16 Premier League goals and supplied three assists in 37 appearances, then added five goals and two assists in 15 Europa League matches as Villa won the competition. He went to the 2026 World Cup with England, and the Three Lions finished third after beating France 6-4 in Miami. Villa secured their first continental trophy since 1982.
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T4O take: Aston Villa cannot treat Watkins as disposable
From Villa’s perspective, this timing could hardly look worse. Jhon Duran has left for Al-Nassr at the start of the year, Tammy Abraham has struggled to impress and carries an injury concern, while teenager Brian Madjo faces a spell out after picking up an injury. That leaves Watkins as the senior focal point when Emery’s side needs attacking continuity. Watkins has scored 15 or more goals in four successive European seasons, so losing that output creates a problem that money can’t replace overnight.
Aston Villa should demand a replacement
KANSAS CITY, KANSAS – JUNE 21: Ollie Watkins #19 of England speaks to the media during an England Press Conference during an England FIFA World Cup 2026 Camp on June 21, 2026 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
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Personal terms, however, don’t equal a transfer. Villa should reject any offer and demand a fee that reflects Watkins’ importance and his contract, which runs until June 2028. A bid above £60-70 million would create a different discussion because Watkins is 30 and near peak market value.
If Al-Hilal arrive with that sort of money, Olabe and Emery should act quickly. Nicolas Jackson deserves serious consideration because Emery knows his game from Villarreal, while his younger profile could refresh an attack that needs reliable options. Villa‘s Saudi relationship, strengthened by the Moussa Diaby and Duran sales, gives them room to demand premium money.
The Benzema issue gives Villa a delay. Al-Hilal need to resolve his contract exit before making Watkins their striker target, while reports indicate Benzema wants the final year of his deal paid in full. That complication gives Villa room to set the price rather than chase the clock.
Losing Watkins now would leave Emery short of proven firepower, so Villa should keep him unless Al-Hilal offer enough money to finance an immediate replacement.
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