Ollie Watkins has wasted no time making his mark in the Saudi Pro League, scoring on his debut for Al-Hilal and offering a candid assessment of the division’s quality. The 30-year-old striker’s move from Aston Villa to Saudi Arabia has been a significant talking point, not least for the emotional journey undertaken by his family.
Immediate impact and league assessment
Watkins’ debut with Al-Hilal saw him find the back of the net in a convincing 3-1 victory over Al-Ahli. He followed this up by featuring in another win, a 2-0 triumph against Al-Shabab, suggesting a swift adaptation to his new surroundings. His new teammates include familiar names like Ruben Neves and Serge Milinkovic-Savic, players Watkins believes will provide ample opportunities.
Speaking to ESPN, Watkins did not hold back in his praise for the standard of play he encountered. “The level I saw here today was honestly of Premier League quality,” he stated. “The match was very strong physically and demanding, and the quality was extremely high.” Despite admitting to feeling “a bit rusty” after only a couple of days of training, his ambition remains clear: “I want to win trophies and I think this team is going to give me the best possible chance of doing that.”
A new chapter for the Watkins family
The move to Saudi Arabia represents a considerable life change for Watkins and his family. He and his wife, Ellie Alderson, who tied the knot in May 2025, have relocated with their two children. Ellie Watkins shared her initial reactions on TikTok, highlighting the unexpected nature of the transition.
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“We have arrived in Saudi Arabia and I think I am still in shock, to be honest,” Ellie Watkins posted. “It is amazing how quickly life can change, but that is the beauty of football.” She also expressed the bittersweet emotions of leaving their life in Birmingham, describing herself as “a very emotional person” whose “heart breaks to close this incredible chapter.”
Premier League legacy
Watkins departs Aston Villa after six seasons, leaving behind a strong legacy. During his time in Birmingham, he scored 91 goals in 221 Premier League appearances and was instrumental in helping the club lift the Europa League last season. His consistency was notable, finishing among the top 10 scorers in five of his six Premier League campaigns, with the 2021/22 season being the only exception.
His decision to join Al-Hilal continues the trend of high-profile players moving to the Saudi Pro League, a league he believes is rapidly closing the gap on Europe’s elite divisions.
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