Al-Hilal Targets Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins After Missing Out on Osimhen
Saudi giants shift focus to Premier League star ahead of 2025-26 season
After failing to land Victor Osimhen, Al-Hilal has set its sights on another high-profile striker: Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa. The Saudi Pro League club is ready to make a bold move in the transfer market to bolster its attack for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
Osimhen Rejects Al-Hilal for Galatasaray
Al-Hilal’s pursuit of Osimhen ended in disappointment despite a blockbuster offer worth €160 million over four years. The Nigerian striker chose instead to continue his career with Galatasaray, where he thrived on loan, leaving the Riyadh-based club scrambling for alternatives.
Watkins Becomes New Top Target
With Osimhen off the table, Al-Hilal is now focused on Ollie Watkins, one of the Premier League’s standout performers. According to transfer expert Nicolò Schira, the Saudi side is seriously interested in securing Watkins before the 2025-26 season.
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- Market value: €61.4 million (≈ R$398 million)
- Contract status: Under contract with Aston Villa until 2028
- Key stat: Among the top scorers and assist providers in the Premier League last season
While Aston Villa is reluctant to sell, a substantial bid could test their resolve something Al-Hilal may be willing to do.
Competition from Manchester United
Al-Hilal is not alone in the chase. Manchester United is also monitoring Watkins closely as part of its offensive rebuild. However, the Premier League side is likely to face stiff financial competition if Al-Hilal enters with a mega-offer.
This sets up a potential transfer tug-of-war between the Premier League and Saudi Arabia.
Long-Term Strategy from Al-Hilal
Al-Hilal’s push for Watkins shows its strategic shift toward acquiring elite European talent before they hit their prime. The club has already succeeded in signing players like Neymar and Aleksandar Mitrović, and adding Watkins would further elevate their attacking firepower.
