Aston Villa omission leaves Ollie Watkins future in balance amid Al-Hilal talks

Ollie Watkins was left out of Aston Villa’s squad to face Brighton as Al-Hilal moved closer to a possible deal for the England striker in the final hours of the summer transfer window.

The 30-year-old’s omission comes as negotiations between Aston Villa and the Saudi Pro League club continue, with the transfer now thought to have reached an advanced stage.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that Watkins was not included in Aston Villa’s matchday squad, adding that discussions with Al-Hilal had progressed significantly. His absence has increased the possibility of the forward moving to the Roshn Saudi League.

Al-Hilal are expected to submit a fresh offer to Aston Villa as they seek to complete the transfer. There is growing confidence within the Saudi club that an agreement can be reached with the Premier League side, although Aston Villa’s approval remains essential before the move can be finalised.

The Saudi club already have an agreement with Watkins over personal terms. The striker has indicated that he is willing to join Al-Hilal, meaning negotiations between the two clubs are now the principal obstacle to the deal.

Al-Hilal have been pursuing Watkins in recent days as they look to strengthen their attacking options. Their interest has also been shaped by continuing uncertainty over the future of Karim Benzema, despite the French forward having stated that he wants to remain with the club.

Watkins’ willingness to take up the opportunity in Saudi Arabia has strengthened Al-Hilal’s position in the negotiations. His omission from Aston Villa’s squad for the Brighton fixture could also be viewed as a sign that the transfer is nearing a decisive point, although no agreement between the clubs has yet been confirmed.

Al-Hilal are now preparing to intensify their efforts and are expected to make their next approach to Aston Villa shortly. The club will hope that the combination of Watkins’ agreement on personal terms and his apparent interest in the move will help persuade Aston Villa to sell before the transfer window closes.

The proposed transfer has therefore entered its final and most important phase. Al-Hilal believe a deal is possible, but the outcome will depend on whether their new offer satisfies Aston Villa and secures the English club’s agreement to release its striker.

Watkins’ exclusion has added further focus to the negotiations, but Al-Hilal must still complete the club-to-club part of the process. Until that happens, the striker remains an Aston Villa player, with the Saudi club waiting to discover whether its renewed bid will be enough to bring the transfer to a conclusion.