Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is expected to arrive in Riyadh on Friday evening as his transfer to Al-Hilal moves towards completion. The England international is then set to undergo a medical over the weekend before finalising his departure from Villa Park.
Villa accepted Al-Hilal’s offer for Watkins on Wednesday after weeks of negotiations between the two clubs.
The National now reports that Watkins is expected in Riyadh on Friday evening, providing another significant indication that there are few obstacles left before the transfer is formally completed.
The 30-year-old could even be available for Al-Hilal’s Saudi Pro League meeting with Al-Ahli on Tuesday if his medical and remaining formalities are completed in time.
Ollie Watkins closes in on Aston Villa exit
Villa had resisted Al-Hilal’s pursuit earlier in the window, rejecting several approaches before eventually sanctioning Watkins’ departure.
ReadAstonVilla reported on Wednesday night that Villa had accepted Al-Hilal’s final offer, worth a reported €58.4million plus €2m in add-ons.
Watkins had previously rejected Aston Villa’s proposed four-year contract as the Saudi club increased its efforts to sign him.
Villa have already moved to replace their leading striker.
A deal worth up to £65m has been agreed with Chelsea for Nicolas Jackson, with Villa moving quickly to secure the Senegal international after agreeing Watkins’ departure.
Watkins will leave after six years at Villa Park. He scored 108 goals in 278 appearances, including 91 in the Premier League, and played a major role in Villa’s rise under Unai Emery.
His arrival in Saudi Arabia now takes a transfer saga which dominated much of Villa’s August towards its final stage.
