Ollie Watkins has completed his £51m move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal from Aston Villa on a three-year deal. The 30-year-old striker departs as Villa's record Premier League scorer with 91 goals after six seasons at the club. Under manager Unai Emery, Watkins played a pivotal role in Villa's rise to regular top-six challengers and their Europa League triumph, the club's first European trophy in 44 years. He made himself unavailable for Villa's opener against Brighton, prompting an apology to Emery.

Watkins posted an emotional farewell on social media, stating he never imagined his time would end this way but expressed eternal gratitude. He highlighted milestones from his first goals in the 7-2 win over Liverpool to Champions League nights at Villa Park and the unforgettable night in Istanbul. He thanked former managers Dean Smith, Steven Gerrard, and especially Emery for believing in him, noting his children were born in Birmingham.

Emery said he had "small tears" saying goodbye to the "fantastic" Watkins, who joins a growing list of summer exits including Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa, Youri Tielemans, and Lucas Digne. At Al-Hilal, Watkins links up with Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville, who left West Ham following their relegation.