Al Hilal Sign England Striker Ollie Watkins

Al Hilal have confirmed the signing of England striker Ollie Watkins on a three-year playing contract, with the Riyadh club announcing the move through its official media channels. Watkins will join the Saudi Pro League from the 2026–27 season and has already begun integration into first-team training.

The transfer fee agreed with Aston Villa is reported at around £50–51 million, roughly SAR 235–240 million at current exchange rates. The deal makes Watkins one of the highest-paid players in the Saudi Pro League on a multi-year package well above typical league averages, though exact salary figures have not been publicly disclosed.

As a professional player resident in Saudi Arabia, Watkins will be registered under standard employment rules. The club is responsible for issuing his work visa and residency (iqama) under Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and passport regulations, and for managing his labour contract and sponsorship through the قوى platform used for private-sector employment. His legal status will be maintained via مقيم and passport systems, with identity updates through توكلنا and نفاذ in line with residency rules.

Employment contracts for foreign footballers are set for a fixed term — three years in this case — with work visas and iqamas typically issued for one to two years at a time and renewed by the club to remain valid throughout the contract. Registration with the Saudi Pro League follows seasonal windows and stays valid while the player is under contract and licensed by the football federation.

The arrival strengthens Al Hilal's attack ahead of the new season and continues the league's push to attract established international talent, a trend that has raised the profile of Saudi football among residents and fans across Riyadh and beyond.

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