Watkins leaves Villa for Al Hilal as Harwood‑Bellis deal confirmed

On Sunday 30 August 2026 Aston Villa completed the £50m transfer of striker Ollie Watkins to Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, while simultaneously agreeing a deal for Southampton defender Taylor Harwood‑Bellis.

Villa face a clear void after Watkins, the first player in the modern era to net more than 100 goals for the club, departed, prompting a strategic shift towards fresh talent. The club have therefore moved to sign Harwood‑Bellis, a young defender, as part of that rebuild.

Financial details of the moves

Watkins’ exit to Al Hilal was finalised for a reported £50m fee, underscoring the Saudi club’s spending power. Villa’s agreement for Harwood‑Bellis does not disclose a fee, but the deal follows the arrival of former Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson as Watkins’ replacement.

Watkins’ record of over 100 goals for Villa marks a historic milestone, and his departure ends a prolific chapter for the club. Nicolas Jackson, signed from Chelsea, is expected to lead the attack in Watkins’ absence. The announcement was highlighted alongside coverage of F1, Cricket, Rugby Union, Rugby League, Golf, Boxing, NFL, Tennis, NBA, Racing, Darts, Netball, MMA and more. British South Asians in Football, Kick It Out and other initiatives were also featured, reflecting the breadth of content. The transfer sits among a long list of teams competing in the Premier League, including Arsenal, Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Brentford, Brighton, Hove, Albion, Chelsea, Coventry City, Crystal Palace, Everton, Fulham, Hull City, Ipswich Town, Leeds United, Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle United, West Ham, Port Vale, Stoke City and others such as La Liga’s AC Milan, SC Freiburg, Le and Go Ahead Eagles. Villa will now finalise Harwood‑Bellis’ contract, completing the club’s summer reshuffle after Watkins’ departure.