Ollie Watkins
CF
Playmaking Forward
Dec 30, 1995 (30)
Right
5'11"
165 lb
Joins Al Hilal permanently
Watkins has completed a permanent transfer from Aston Villa to Al Hilal, ending his six-year spell at Villa Park.
Analysis: Watkins leaves Aston Villa after establishing himself as one of the club's most prolific forwards, scoring 91 Premier League goals to depart as Villa's all-time leading scorer in the competition. The England international reached double figures in each of his six seasons at the club and also surpassed 100 goals across all competitions while helping Villa win the Europa League. His departure leaves a significant hole at the point of Aston Villa's attack, while Watkins should immediately compete for a prominent role in Al Hilal's frontline following the move.
Set to leave Aston Villa
Watkins is set to leave Aston Villa for Al-Hilal after pushing for a move away from the club, according to coach Unai Emery, per Birmingham Live. "He told us after the match that he was sorry and he told us that he made a mistake and that he was wrong. We accepted it. [...] I told him bye with a huge hug and a small tear."
Analysis: Watkins' departure from Villa is now effectively confirmed after Emery publicly said goodbye to the forward. The striker had asked not to feature in the season opener against Brighton as he pursued the move, a decision he subsequently apologized for and admitted was a mistake. Nicolas Jackson has been brought in as his replacement and is expected to take over as Villa's primary center-forward moving forward.
Exit growing closer
Watkins (not injury related) exit from Aston Villa appears to be close to sealed, according to Matt Maher of Express and Star.
Analysis: Watkins was reported to be back in training Tuesday, but it still appears the forward is set for a departure from Villa, with Saudi League side Al-Hilal appearing to have agreed to terms with the club and player. This will force Villa to get active in the market and find another forward, closely linked with a few moves in the past couple of days. Emiliano Buendia started at forward in the season opener, although Tammy Abraham (undisclosed) is another option once recovered.
Returns to training
Watkins returned to Aston Villa's training Monday and apologized to teammates after missing Sunday's 4-0 defeat at Brighton, according to The Athletic.
Analysis: Watkins rejoined the squad Monday after being left out of the season opener amid uncertainty surrounding his future and his desire to leave the club. His return to training is an encouraging sign regarding his potential availability for the next match, though his situation remains unsettled after Villa rejected four offers from Al Hilal. The club have offered Watkins a new contract through 2030 but are also considering alternatives should he depart before the transfer window closes. If he remains at Villa, the striker should continue to compete for a prominent role at the point of the attack.
Out for opener
Watkins is ruled out for Sunday's match against Brighton, with coach Unai Emery declining to explain the reasoning, per John Townley. "Silence, we are here today to play. Nothing to speak about."
Analysis: Watkins has been left out of the squad for the Premier League opener as the uncertainty surrounding his future continues to dominate the narrative heading into the new season. The coaching staff have already seen four bids from the Saudi side rejected this summer, but the matter remains unresolved despite Villa offering the striker a new contract through 2030. His absence is further compounded by Tammy Abraham also being unavailable. Emiliano Buendia is set to start at the point of the attack in his place, with the situation surrounding Watkins expected to reach some form of resolution before the transfer window closes.
Future remains up in the air amid interest
Watkins's status heading into the season opener against Brighton is unclear, with coach Unai Emery acknowledging Al-Hilal's continued interest even as he prefers to keep the striker, per Birmingham Live. "We have an issue with him, it is clear. He is a player we have offers for. He is our player. I don't want to sell him, but it can change if it is a good option for him and the club. Ollie is a fantastic striker, and we still believe in him. There are still 10 days left to finish the transfer window. We will see what happens, but if he stays with us then he will continue his level. But if he leaves then it will be good for us, the club and the player."
Analysis: Watkins has already seen four bids from Al-Hilal rejected by Villa this summer, and while the club has offered him a new contract through 2030, he's thought to be drawn to the wages on offer in Saudi Arabia. Manager Unai Emery declined to say directly whether Watkins had requested to leave or whether he'll feature against Brighton, leaving the matter unresolved with roughly 10 days still left in the transfer window. Tammy Abraham is expected to lead the line up front if Watkins is unavailable.
Won't play in UEFA SuperCup
Watkins won't play in the 2026 UEFA Super Cup against PSG on Wednesday, according to manager Unai Emery.
Analysis: Watkins is one of three regulars who won't be playing Wednesday for the Midlands club, as Ezri Konsa and Emiliano Martinez will also miss the match due to "completely necessary rest." Watkins represented England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and has had only a few weeks to rest before the season starts. It seems the coaching staff wants to give the striker enough time to be healthy for the Premier League opener against Brighton on Sunday, Aug. 23.
Backup striker for England
Watkins has been named in England's World Cup squad after one of his most productive Premier League seasons, arriving as one of the most reliable goal-scorers in the squad with 21 goals in all competitions for a trophy-winning Aston Villa side.
Analysis: Watkins ended the campaign with 16 Premier League goals and three assists across 37 appearances, finishing as Villa's top scorer and playing a pivotal role in their Europa League title triumph as the most clinical finisher in their squad with 21 goals in all competitions. The Englishman brings intelligent movement, physical presence and a deadly finishing instinct from both feet that makes him one of the most dangerous strikers available to manager Thomas Tuchel, and his ability to hold the ball up and bring teammates into play gives England a different attacking profile to the more direct Harry Kane who is set to lead the line as the captain of the Three Lions. Watkins heads into the World Cup off the back of the best individual campaign of his career and desperate to make his mark on the global stage this summer.
No Europa Cup hangover
Watkins scored two goals to go with four shots (two on goal) in Sunday's 2-1 win against Manchester City.
Analysis: Watkins was great on Sunday despite recent days of partying after the Europa Cup championship, with the forward single-handedly taking out City. He would score first in the 47th minute before adding another in the 61st minute, earning a brace to end the season. The forward would catch fire to end the season, with six goals in his past five outings, recording 16 goals and three assists in 37 appearances (33 starts) this campaign.
Incredible for win
Watkins scored two goals and assisted once from six shots and one chance created in Friday's 4-2 victory against Liverpool. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 48th minute.
Analysis: Watkins scored twice and added an assist during Friday's win, a brilliant showing during the total rout of Liverpool. The striker was deadly every time he got on the ball and caused issues for the Liverpool backline throughout. It was a top performance and probably Watkins' best of the season.
Scores versus Burnley
Watkins scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Sunday's 2-2 draw versus Burnley.
Analysis: Watkins scored a goal in the 56th minute, a strike assisted by his goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. It marked his 12th Premier League goal of the season, four of which have come in his last six matches. He'll look to keep rolling Friday versus Liverpool, a side he didn't even manage a shot against in the away fixture in November.
Three shots in loss
Watkins recorded three shots (one on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 1-0 defeat versus Fulham.
Analysis: Watkins recorded three shots Saturday, including the team's only shot on target in the loss. He also created one chance on the attack, a muted performance after he recorded three goal contributions versus Sunderland less than a week ago. He was subbed off in the 80th minute for Tammy Abraham.
Two goals and assist in 4-3 win
Watkins scored two goals and assisted once from four shots and three chances created in Sunday's 4-3 win over Sunderland.
Analysis: Watkins scored the first two goals and assisted on the third as Aston Villa scored late to win 4-3. This was his second assist of the season, and he has also scored 11 goals this season in the Premier League. He took four shots and created three chances in the game. This was the first time this year he has created three chances, and the ninth time this season that he has taken four or more shots.
Scores in win
Watkins scored one goal to go with five shots (two on goal), one cross (one accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 2-0 victory over West Ham United.
Analysis: Watkins recorded one of the two goals scored for Aston Villa on Sunday, getting two shots on target with one key pass and a tackle won. He's recorded two goals in the last eight appearances, totaling nine shots on target, five shots on target and six tackles won in that span.
In starting squad Saturday
Watkins (hamstring) is in the starting XI for Saturday's clash against Bournemouth.
Analysis: Watkins returns to the starting squad for Saturday's clash against Bournemouth after missing last week with a minor injury and resuming full training. The forward has started 20 of his 23 appearances this season while recording eight goals and steps straight back into his usual role.
Will return Saturday
Watkins (hamstring) is an option for Saturday's match against Bournemouth, according to manager Unai Emery. "Yes, normally yes. He rested last week because he had a small injury and he was not ready to play. But this week progressively he was joining us, training normally, and today he trained normally."
Analysis: Watkins was out due to a small injury last week and is not set to return, with the forward now training normally. The forward will be expected to return to a stating role, starting in 20 of his 23 appearances this season while recording eight goals. However, he will have to be weary of their spot after signing Tammy Abraham, who started in his place last outing.
Missing Sunday
Watkins (hamstring) is out for Sunday's match against Brentford.
Analysis: Watkins is not with his team after he was a late call, with the forward not fit enough to play through the hamstring injury. This gives Tammy Abraham his first start for the club as they await the return of their regular starter, a likely replacement moving forward.
Late call to face Bees
Watkins (hamstring) is a late call for Sunday's match against Brentford, according to manager Unai Emery. "Watkins, we will see tomorrow. Today he had a scan, and it's not a clear injury. He was tired yesterday, and the scan is not giving us bad information. We will see tomorrow if he's not feeling comfortable or if he's feeling comfortable to decide to be with us on Sunday."
Analysis: Watkins had to come off early Thursday, but it appeared to be due to lack of fitness, with a scan revealing nothing of concern. That said, the forward is still set for further testing, with that to decide if he is an option for Sunday. If fit, the forward is likely to eye a return to his starting role, with Tammy Abraham possibly getting his first chance with the club since his transfer if Watkins is not fit for the start.
Forced off Thursday
Watkins left Thursday's Europa League clash against Red Bull Salzburg due to a suspected hamstring injury. After the game, manager Unai Emery said "He felt something, but not a lot. We will test him. Hopefully, we are thinking that is not a lot. I don't know if he will be available for Sunday.", per John Townley of Birmingham Live.
Analysis: Watkins played 35 minutes before picking up a potential issue during his fourth consecutive start in all competitions. The striker will now need to be assessed prior to the upcoming game against his former club Brentford. Morgan Rogers took his place in the UEL match and could be deployed as a No. 9 if Watkins' problem is significant, though new signing Tammy Abraham could also be deployed immediately in league play.
Scores late goal to secure 2-0 win
Watkins scored one goal to go with four shots (three on goal) and two chances created in Sunday's 2-0 win over Newcastle United.
Analysis: Watkins scored his eighth Premier League goal this season. He hadn't scored in two games before this, but scored four in the three games before that. He has attempted four or more shots seven times this season, with this only being the third time he has put three on target. Of the seven games in which he has taken four shots or more, six have been away from home.
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