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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Ian Parker

Ollie Watkins completes big money Al Hilal move ‘with a heavy heart’

Ollie Watkins Unai Emery Al Hilal Villa Aston Villa Nicolas Jackson Brighton Emiliano Martinez Ezri Konsa Lucas Digne
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery (left) and Ollie Watkins during a training session at Besiktas Park, Istanbul. Picture date: Tuesday May 19, 2026. - (PA Wire)

Ollie Watkins has offered his thanks to Aston Villa supporters "from the bottom of my heart" after completing a three-year deal with Al Hilal.

The England international finalised a £50million transfer to Saudi Arabia on Sunday, making him the latest high-profile departure from Villa Park this summer. It follows his absence from Villa’s season opener last week, which resulted in a 4-0 defeat to Brighton.

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