Al-Hilal sign Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa after Karim Benzema departure

Al-Hilal have signed England international Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa on a three-year contract, with the move coming on the same day Karim Benzema left the Saudi club.

The transfer fee is understood to be €58m (£50m), with a further €2m in potential add-ons, according to reports from talkSPORT.

Watkins, 29, became one of Aston Villa’s most important attacking players after joining the club from Brentford in 2020. During his time at Villa Park, he scored 108 goals and provided 47 assists in 278 appearances, establishing himself among the club’s leading figures.

His arrival gives Al-Hilal a high-profile forward following Benzema’s departure. The former France international left the club on Sunday after his contract was ended. Reports in Saudi Arabia have suggested that Benzema is considering retiring from football.

Watkins developed into a key part of Aston Villa’s attack during his five years with the club. His goalscoring record and regular involvement made him one of the side’s central attacking options before his move to Saudi Arabia.

Al-Hilal have made a strong start to the Saudi league season, winning all three of their matches so far.

They opened their campaign with a 4-2 victory over Al-Faisaly, before beating Al-Fayha 3-0 in their second game. In their third match, Al-Hilal recorded their biggest win yet, defeating Al-Khaleej 5-1.

Those results have placed Al-Hilal second in the table, behind Al-Nassr, although the club have played one match fewer than the leaders.

Their next fixture is against Al-Ahli on Tuesday. Watkins’ signing comes as Al-Hilal prepare for that match and seek to maintain their unbeaten start, while the club also begin life without Benzema.

The transfer marks the latest stage of Watkins’ career after his sustained success in English football. He leaves Aston Villa having made 278 appearances and contributed to 155 goals through his combined scoring and assists, while Al-Hilal secure an established international forward on a deal lasting three seasons.