Transfer Rumour Unconfirmed · Gaining tractionGiveMeSportUnverified source· 19 Aug 2026
Villa Reject £38.5m Bid for Watkins, Saudi Side to Return
Aston Villa have turned down a £38.5m offer for their star striker, but the saga is far from over.
O. Watkins
player
Player
Ollie Watkins
Current club
Aston Villa
Bid amount
£38.5m
Status
Rejected
What happened. Aston Villa rejected a £38.5m bid for Ollie Watkins, but the Saudi side is expected to come back with a higher offer.
- Unai Emery wants to keep the striker at Villa.
- Watkins is believed to be tempted by a move to Saudi Arabia.
- The Saudi club is likely to return with an improved bid.
With the Saudi club expected to return, Villa face a battle to hold onto their key forward.
In this story
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The Guardian
Aston Villa expect another bid from Al Hilal for Ollie Watkins
Sky Sports
Al Hilal in talks to sign Watkins
Mirror Football
Aston Villa respond to shock £38m Ollie Watkins bid as Al-Hilal step up transfer pursuit
CaughtOffside
Aston Villa face major Ollie Watkins decision after €45m bid was made
