Ollie Watkins could make Al Hilal debut against Al Ahli, says Waleed Al-Farraj

Ollie Watkins could be wearing an Al Hilal shirt for the first time when the Saudi club face Al Ahli on 1 September, according to Saudi sports broadcaster Waleed Al-Farraj.

Al Hilal are reportedly close to completing a deal for the England striker, who has emerged as the leading candidate to strengthen head coach Simone Inzaghi’s attack. The club are working to bring in a new forward while uncertainty continues over the future of Karim Benzema, whose name has been linked with a departure.

Watkins has indicated that he is willing to move to Al Hilal, while discussions between the Saudi club and Aston Villa continue. Those negotiations are understood to have reached an advanced stage, increasing expectations among Al Hilal supporters that the transfer could soon be completed.

Speaking on his programme Rotana Sport with Waleed, Al-Farraj said: “Al Hilal have largely completed the Watkins deal, and the player will appear in the team in the coming period.”

His comments represent another indication that Watkins is close to moving to the Roshn Saudi League, although the transfer has not been formally announced by either club.

Al-Farraj then offered a specific prediction about the proposed timing of the forward’s arrival, saying: “I believe Watkins will appear in an Al Hilal shirt during the Al Ahli classic, scheduled for 1 September.”

That possibility would give the fixture added significance, with Al Ahli potentially facing one of the most prominent forwards to have played in the English league in recent years in his first appearance for Al Hilal.

For Al Hilal, the match would provide an immediate stage on which to present their anticipated new signing in one of the biggest fixtures in the Roshn Saudi League. Watkins’ involvement, however, would depend on the transfer being completed and registered before the game.

The proposed move comes as Al Hilal continue to assess their attacking options. Benzema’s future remains unclear, and developments surrounding the France international are expected in the coming days. The situation has increased the importance of the club’s pursuit of Watkins as Inzaghi looks to reinforce his forward line.

Supporters are now waiting for confirmation of whether the former Aston Villa striker will complete his move in time for the meeting with Al Ahli. If he does, the 1 September classic could become the setting for Watkins’ first competitive appearance for Al Hilal.

The story follows earlier attention around Al Hilal, including a video report examining Malcom’s reaction after hearing the club’s name following his departure. Further discussion of the transfer has also been encouraged on the Kooora forums, while tickets for Roshn Saudi League matches are available to supporters.