Transfer Rumour Unconfirmed · Widely reportedThe GuardianUnverified source· 19 Aug 2026
Villa brace for new Al Hilal bid after £40m rejection
Saudi giants Al Hilal are circling Villa's record Premier League scorer after a near-£40m offer was turned down.
O. Watkins
player
Player
Ollie Watkins
Position
Striker
Current club
Aston Villa
Linked club
Al Hilal
Reported fee
Almost £40m (rejected)
What happened. Aston Villa rejected an offer worth almost £40m from Al Hilal for Ollie Watkins and expect another bid for the England striker.
- Watkins has two years left on his contract.
- Villa would seek a replacement if they sell the 30-year-old.
- Unai Emery admires Nicolas Jackson, but Chelsea's £65m valuation is prohibitive.
Villa may need a major sale before any marquee arrival due to Premier League financial regulations.
In this story
Aston Villa
Al Hilal
