Ollie Watkins joins Al-Hilal after Manchester City defeat left lasting impression

Ollie Watkins says Al-Hilal’s 4-3 victory over Manchester City at last year’s FIFA Club World Cup played a major part in convincing him to join the Saudi Pro League club.

The England striker became Al-Hilal’s newest signing on Sunday, moving from Aston Villa on a three-year contract. Watkins said the club’s performance against Manchester City helped him understand the scale of the opportunity in Saudi Arabia and influenced his decision to make the move.

“It is a wonderful and special step for me. I am extremely happy to join this historic club,” Watkins told Al-Hilal’s media centre.

The 30-year-old said the club’s stature, success and worldwide support were central to his decision.

“I joined Al-Hilal because it is the biggest club in Asia and the one with the most titles,” he said. “It has a large fan base around the world, and without any doubt I want to make these people happy.”

Watkins added that he was eager to begin his time at the club and was pleased that his first appearance would come in front of Al-Hilal’s home supporters.

“I cannot wait to start my mission. It is good that my first match will be at our home, and I am looking forward to helping the team achieve victory,” he said.

Al-Hilal defeated Manchester City 4-3 in the last 16 of the Club World Cup last year. The result came before the Saudi club completed its move for Watkins, who has now agreed a three-year deal after leaving Aston Villa.

The match remained particularly significant for Watkins as he considered joining Al-Hilal and learning more about the club and the Saudi league.

“Al-Hilal’s victory over Manchester City was one of the main things that pushed me towards this step and encouraged me to learn about this club and the Saudi league as a whole,” he said.

Watkins’ arrival gives Al-Hilal a new attacking option as the club continues to build its squad around its established status in Asian football and its substantial support worldwide. His first match for the club is expected to be played at home, although no additional details about the fixture were provided in the announcement.

The move brings an end to Watkins’ time with Aston Villa and begins his first experience of Saudi football. His comments indicate that the victory against Manchester City was not simply a notable result he watched from afar, but an important factor in his decision to join Al-Hilal.

He will now prepare to start his new role with the club, with the immediate objective of helping Al-Hilal win and giving its supporters an early reason to celebrate.