Ollie Watkins has described the Saudi Pro League as being of Premier League quality, days after completing his move to Al Hilal from Aston Villa.

The 30 year old England striker sealed his switch to the Riyadh giants in a deal reported to be worth around fifty million pounds, signing a three year contract that brought an end to his six year spell in the Midlands.

Watkins leaves Villa as one of the most productive strikers in the club’s Premier League history, having scored ninety one league goals and one hundred and eight in all competitions since arriving from Brentford in 2020 for twenty eight million pounds.

His time at Villa Park included a Europa League triumph last season under Unai Emery, a first major trophy of his professional career, as well as recognition as the club’s record scorer in the Premier League era. His departure was not without some friction, with Emery having expressed initial disappointment after Watkins made himself unavailable for the club’s opening league fixture as he pushed through his move, though the manager later said there were no hard feelings between them.

At international level, Watkins has become a regular fixture for England, featuring at the European Championship in 2024 and the World Cup this year, and has earned twenty four caps with seven goals for the Three Lions.

His arrival in Saudi Arabia places him alongside a growing list of established European talents making the switch to the Gulf, joining a well stocked Al Hilal squad that also includes Crysencio Summerville following his move from West Ham.

Watkins’ comments add to a broader conversation within football about the rising standard of the Saudi Pro League, which has increasingly attracted players in their prime rather than only those winding down their careers. His move means he now lines up against fellow Englishman Ivan Toney, who plays for rivals Al Ahli, with both strikers having previously competed for a place in the England squad behind captain Harry Kane.

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