Ollie Watkins Interest Emerges as Al-Hilal Prioritise Karim Benzema Exit
Al-Hilal are exploring a significant attacking reshuffle, with Get Football News France reporting that the Saudi club want to move Karim Benzema on, while Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has been identified as a possible successor.
The situation is far from straightforward. Benzema, now 38, is said to be open to leaving, which aligns with Simone Inzaghi’s wish to reshape his options in attack. Yet this is not a routine transfer discussion. Because Benzema’s contract is backed both by Al-Hilal and Saudi authorities, any departure requires alignment across multiple parties. That immediately makes the process more layered than a standard player exit.
There is also the financial complication. Benzema wants to leave on a free transfer and still receive the final year of his deal. That outcome does not appeal to Al-Hilal, the Saudi Pro League, or the Saudi authorities. As a result, the player’s future remains unresolved, even if there appears to be a willingness from some sides to bring the relationship to an end.
Photo IMAGO
Ollie Watkins on Al-Hilal shortlist
Against that backdrop, Ollie Watkins has emerged as a target. The Aston Villa forward, who turns 30, is viewed as a leading candidate if Al-Hilal can create the space and financial clarity required to act. For now, that caveat is crucial. Without a resolution to the Benzema file, there can be no meaningful progress on Watkins.
That leaves Villa in a familiar modern position, aware that interest from the Saudi Pro League can develop quickly, while also knowing many of these situations hinge on moving parts elsewhere. Watkins is an established Premier League striker and England international, so his profile fits what a club like Al-Hilal would seek if they are making a marquee change up front.
Photo IMAGO
Karim Benzema exit remains key
The immediate focus, though, remains Benzema. Until his departure is agreed, whether by compromise or more complex negotiation, Al-Hilal’s plans for a replacement are likely to stay on hold. Watkins may be admired, but at this stage he looks more like the next step in the process than the current one.
Our View
From an Aston Villa perspective, this is the type of report that will make supporters uneasy. Watkins is so central to the way Villa play. He gives the side pace, pressing, goals, movement in behind and reliability, and those qualities are not easy to replace, especially in one window. Even if Al-Hilal cannot move immediately, the fact his name is in the conversation is enough to raise concern.
The worry is not simply about one bid landing tomorrow. It is about the broader threat of a wealthy club circling a player who has already proven himself at the highest domestic level. Once that interest becomes concrete, it can shift the mood around a squad and force a club into difficult decisions.
Villa fans will hope the club’s stance is firm. Watkins feels like one of those players who should only leave if the offer is enormous and the succession plan is already in place. Losing him late in the window would be especially damaging. Supporters will likely see this as something to monitor closely, even if the Benzema issue currently slows everything down. For now, there may be no immediate panic, but there is every reason for caution.