Aston Villa have received a warning over Ollie Watkins’ future after Al-Hilal agreed personal terms with the England striker, according to TEAMtalk, with Graeme Bailey reporting on 18 August that the Saudi giants now stand ready to open negotiations. Al-Hilal still need to clear Karim Benzema’s situation before they can push ahead.
Aston Villa face a major striker call
Watkins, 30, comes off a campaign. He scored 16 Premier League goals and supplied three assists in 37 appearances, then added five goals and two assists in 15 Europa League matches as Villa won the competition. He went to the 2026 World Cup with England, and the Three Lions finished third after beating France 6-4 in Miami. Villa secured their first continental trophy since 1982.
T4O take: Aston Villa cannot treat Watkins as disposable
From Villa’s perspective, this timing could hardly look worse. Jhon Duran has left for Al-Nassr at the start of the year, Tammy Abraham has struggled to impress and carries an injury concern, while teenager Brian Madjo faces a spell out after picking up an injury. That leaves Watkins as the senior focal point when Emery’s side needs attacking continuity. Watkins has scored 15 or more goals in four successive European seasons, so losing that output creates a problem that money can’t replace overnight.
Aston Villa should demand a replacement
KANSAS CITY, KANSAS – JUNE 21: Ollie Watkins #19 of England speaks to the media during an England Press Conference during an England FIFA World Cup 2026 Camp on June 21, 2026 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Personal terms, however, don’t equal a transfer. Villa should reject any offer and demand a fee that reflects Watkins’ importance and his contract, which runs until June 2028. A bid above £60-70 million would create a different discussion because Watkins is 30 and near peak market value.
If Al-Hilal arrive with that sort of money, Olabe and Emery should act quickly. Nicolas Jackson deserves serious consideration because Emery knows his game from Villarreal, while his younger profile could refresh an attack that needs reliable options. Villa‘s Saudi relationship, strengthened by the Moussa Diaby and Duran sales, gives them room to demand premium money.
The Benzema issue gives Villa a delay. Al-Hilal need to resolve his contract exit before making Watkins their striker target, while reports indicate Benzema wants the final year of his deal paid in full. That complication gives Villa room to set the price rather than chase the clock.
Losing Watkins now would leave Emery short of proven firepower, so Villa should keep him unless Al-Hilal offer enough money to finance an immediate replacement.