Al-Hilal have been pursuing Aston Villa‘s Ollie Watkins and are optimistic of securing his services this summer.
The Middle East club have identified the striker as the main target to replace Karim Benzema.
Four days ago, Sport Witness relayed news the Aston Villa star has agreed on to personal terms with Al-Hilal. Their agreement with the Premier League side is now missing.
Al-Hilal manager Simone Inzaghi has requested his leaders to get rid of the Frenchman, and their plan is to replace him with Watkins. The former’s exit seems crucial for the 30-year-old to arrive at the club.
Not giving up on Aston Villa player
Sacha Tavolieri, who covered the report earlier this week, has come up with a new update about this case.
He took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to reiterate the England international is the top target for the Saudi Arabian club.
Simone Inzaghi’s side ‘continue to believe’ of being successful in their pursuit of Ollie Watkins. In fact, they are ‘confident’ of signing the Aston Villa man.
With an agreement in place with the frontman, Al-Hilal are in ongoing discussions with Unai Emery’s side. The journalist states the two clubs could come to an agreement for around $65m [€55.5m].
Faced with the possibility of losing their star, the Europa League winners have identified Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson as a target. Earlier today, we covered Spanish claims of the Villans’ negotiations and tough competition from Atlético Madrid to sign the Senegalese.
Al-Hilal’s confidence may be misplaced
The report from earlier this week mentioned Karim Benzema’s exit is crucial for Al-Hilal to sign Ollie Watkins.
On Thursday, the former Real Madrid striker started in his side’s 3-0 league win over Al-Fayha. After the match, he spoke to the reporters in the mixed zone and Foot Mercato have relayed his comments.
When asked about his future, he said: “There’s nothing to it. I’m staying and continuing with the team.”
Benzema’s contract is until 2027, and without his exit, Al-Hilal are unlikely to sign the Aston Villa star.
Last season, Watkins managed 21 goals and five assists from 55 matches and won the Europa League with the Villans.
🔵🇸🇦 Al Hilal FC continue to believe in the signing of Ollie Watkins. As explained this Monday, August 17, the Englishman is a concrete option being considered by the Saudi club.
🗣️ Discussions are currently ongoing with Aston Villa and could lead to a deal worth around $65M.… pic.twitter.com/BlOWUdj9Ur
— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) August 20, 2026
