Aston Villa can confirm that Ollie Watkins has completed a permanent transfer to Al Hilal.
Signed by Dean Smith in 2020, Watkins hit double figures in every one of his six seasons at Villa Park and departs as our record Premier League goalscorer with a total of 91.
He was also the first player in the modern era to score over 100 goals in claret and blue, achieving his century against Bologna last season.
During his time at Villa Park, he has become an England international, representing the Three Lions at two major international tournaments.
Capable of scoring different types of goals with a ruthless streak, allied to a selfless work ethic for his team’s benefit, Watkins leaves Villa having played his part in our UEFA Europa League victory and with the very best wishes of everyone at the football club.
It’s extremely rare, in particular for a club like Villa, to actually have the “worlds best” in a position for a period of time. We got that with Martinez. Some people may argue the specifics, but the fact is for at least 12-18 months he was the best keeper in world football.
Villans, what a 7-year journey it’s been. We spoke about believing before the European title & I want to thank everyone for your belief in me over the years.
This club will always have a special place in my heart.
Thank you, truly.
Ezri 💜
The night before outside the Irish bar
The claret and blue takeover on the day
The feeling when we won it
The after party on the streets till the morning
I’m almost certain whoever was there will agree with me. Nothing will ever top Istanbul 2026. Best time ever
#avfc
Number of consecutive years as England’s most successful club based on cumulative trophies
1st Aston Villa - 72 year
2nd Liverpool - 34 years
3rd Manchester United - 12 years
🚨 Tielemans actual quote:
Speaking on the Belgian football podcast De Rode Duivels Tafel, Youri Tielemans said:
“I enjoy training at Manchester United, but honestly, it is a little easier. Carrick keeps the sessions simple - you do the drill, you understand it, you move on. It’s not too complicated.”
“At Aston Villa with Emery, it is completely different. The intensity is crazy. Every movement, every pass, every detail has a reason. For me, he is the best coach in the Premier League, but you definitely feel it in your legs afterwards.”
Aston Villa can confirm that Morgan Rogers has completed a permanent transfer to Chelsea.
Since joining from Middlesbrough in 2024, the midfielder has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence, helping Villa to lift the UEFA Europa League last term, scoring the third goal in the final in Istanbul.
During his time at the club, he also earned his first senior England caps, representing his country at the FIFA World Cup 2026, where the Three Lions finished third.
A player with impeccable behaviour and commitment, Morgan leaves Aston Villa with the best wishes of everyone at the football club for both his service to the club and for his future career.
He will always remain a core part of our recent great moments and memories.