Al Hilal in talks with Aston Villa over Ollie Watkins transfer

Saudi giants Al Hilal have opened negotiations with Aston Villa over a potential move for England striker Ollie Watkins, with the forward reportedly keen on the switch. The Premier League club have already rejected an initial €45m (£38.5m) offer, but talks remain ongoing as both sides consider a possible deal.

Al Hilal target Watkins as Benzema replacement

Al Hilal have identified Watkins as a potential replacement for Karim Benzema as they look to reshape their attacking options. The Saudi club are also working to resolve Benzema's situation, with the French striker's future in Riyadh uncertain after joining Al Hilal from Al Ittihad on an 18-month contract in February.

Benzema made an immediate impact after his move, scoring 10 goals in 15 appearances during his first half-season with Al Hilal. However, the club are now preparing for the possibility of his departure, prompting them to explore alternatives in the transfer market.

Watkins has emerged as one of their preferred options. According to Sky Sports News, Al Hilal have already made an offer worth €45m (£38.5m), but Aston Villa rejected the proposal. Negotiations have nevertheless continued, suggesting that the Saudi club have not abandoned their pursuit of the 30-year-old.

Watkins' position could influence Villa's decision

While Villa have rejected the first bid, the situation could develop further because Watkins is reportedly keen on the move. Villa would also need to find a replacement for their leading striker before allowing him to leave, making the timing and structure of any potential transfer particularly important.

Watkins remains one of the most important attacking players in Unai Emery's squad. Since arriving from Brentford in 2020, he has established himself as Villa's first-choice striker and has scored more than 100 goals for the club across all competitions.

His contribution last season was again significant. Watkins scored 16 Premier League goals as Villa enjoyed a successful campaign, winning the Europa League and securing another place in the Champions League. His performances also helped him retain his place in the England setup, with the striker included in Thomas Tuchel's squad for the 2026 World Cup.

A major decision for Aston Villa

The potential departure comes at a particularly complicated moment for Villa. The club have already experienced a turbulent summer, with important players leaving and injuries affecting the squad before the new Premier League campaign.

Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans were among the notable departures, while new arrivals such as Joao Gomes had offered some encouragement during pre-season. However, Gomes and teenage forward Brian Madjo have since suffered injuries, adding further uncertainty to Emery's attacking and midfield options.

Villa are also preparing for the opening weeks of the campaign without several players who have had limited or no pre-season involvement. Ezri Konsa and Watkins were both affected by their extended World Cup breaks, meaning Emery has had less time than usual to prepare his strongest team.

The possibility of losing Watkins would therefore represent another significant challenge. Villa would not only have to replace his goals but also find a striker capable of fitting Emery's tactical system at a time when the club are competing domestically and in Europe.

Watkins has plenty to offer Al Hilal

For Al Hilal, Watkins represents a different profile from Benzema. While the former Real Madrid and France striker has built his reputation around technical quality, link-up play and finishing, Watkins offers pace, movement and the ability to stretch defensive lines.

Those qualities could make him an attractive option for a Saudi Pro League side seeking to maintain its competitiveness while potentially replacing a global superstar.

Watkins' record at Villa also demonstrates his consistency. More than 100 goals since joining the club underline his importance, while his 16 Premier League goals last season show that he remains capable of producing at the highest domestic level.

At 30, he would also bring considerable experience without necessarily representing a long-term commitment comparable to signing a much younger player. For Al Hilal, that could make the England international an appealing solution if Benzema's spell in Saudi Arabia comes to an end.

Villa face a difficult choice

The next stage of negotiations will depend heavily on Al Hilal's willingness to improve their offer and Villa's ability to secure a replacement. The initial €45m bid was not enough, but continued discussions indicate that the Saudi club could be prepared to push further.

For Villa, the decision is complicated by more than the transfer fee. Watkins remains a proven Premier League goalscorer, an experienced European campaigner and an England international. Replacing all of those qualities before the transfer window closes would be difficult.

For now, Watkins remains an Aston Villa player, but negotiations with Al Hilal are ongoing. With the Saudi club looking for a successor to Benzema and Villa needing to weigh any departure against the need to recruit a replacement, the England striker's future is becoming one of the significant transfer stories to watch as the new season approaches.