Ollie Watkins marked his debut for Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal with a goal, heading home in his new team's 3-0 victory over 10-man Al-Ahli on Tuesday night. The transfer, reportedly worth £51 million, comes after Watkins appeared to push for a move away from Aston Villa.
Watkins, who joined Al-Hilal just three days prior, came on as a halftime substitute and scored in the 86th minute against Al-Ahli. The match was billed as a contest between Watkins and Ivan Toney, another English striker, but it was Watkins who emerged successful on the scoresheet.
The circumstances surrounding Watkins' departure from Aston Villa included reports that he had been refusing to train, with Villa having rejected four offers from Al-Hilal in the preceding week. Aston Villa manager Unai Emery declined to comment directly on Watkins' situation, stating, "This question is for him. I can answer only with my silence." When asked if Watkins was refusing to play, Emery suggested reporters contact the player or his agent for an explanation.
Following these reports, several Aston Villa supporters expressed their disappointment and frustration online. Comments on social media platforms indicated a strong negative reaction to the player's perceived conduct leading up to the transfer, with some fans lamenting his departure and the manner of it.
Emery had previously expressed frustration with the transfer window remaining open during the early stages of the Premier League season, noting that it had caused difficulties for the club in previous years. Aston Villa lost their opening match of the season 4-0 to Brighton and then 1-0 to Arsenal before Watkins' transfer was finalized.