Victor Osimhen decision opens door to SHOCK Ollie Watkins transfer

Cameron Smith

14 Jul 2025 11:30 BST
4 min read

Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal are reportedly interested in signing Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins after accepting defeat in their pursuit of Victor Osimhen.

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Simone Inzaghi’s side are in the market for a new centre forward this summer and they have earmarked Watkins as a key transfer target following Osimhen’s decision to rejoin Galatasaray on a permanent deal.

Current ETV

Victor Osimhen

F (C)

Napoli

Victor Osimhen

F (C)

Napoli

ETV Range

€49.2M - €60.1M

The Nigeria superstar had been identified as Al-Hilal’s dream target for the 2025 summer transfer window, and they even submitted a contract proposal worth a whopping €160 million over four years in order to entice Osimhen to Saudi Arabia.

However, the 26-year-old opted to reject Al-Hilal’s offer in order to join Galatasaray following a successful loan spell in Istanbul last term.

The Turkish giants are currently locked in negotiations with Napoli and it’s believed that an agreement is close to being reached between the two clubs.

With Osimhen now extremely unlikely to secure a Saudi Pro League transfer, Al-Hilal have turned their attention to alternative targets.

RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko has been sounded out as one possible option, following Arsenal’s decision to end their pursuit of his signature, while Watkins has now emerged as a target too.

That is according to transfer news reporter Nicolo Schira, who has revealed that Al-Hilal are eager to land the England international ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.

© IMAGO - Al-Hilal are reportedly interested in signing Ollie Watkins this summer

Ollie Watkins to leave Aston Villa?

Watkins scored 17 goals and provided 14 assists in 54 appearances across all competitions last year, although he lost his place in Unai Emery’s preferred starting XI to Marcus Rashford during the final few months of the season.

Despite this, Villa appear unlikely to sanction a sale unless they receive an offer in excess of his €61.4m Estimated Transfer Value.

Watkins, who has three years remaining on his current contract at Villa Park, has also been heavily linked with Manchester United in recent weeks amid Ruben Amorim’s pursuit of a new starting centre forward.

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