Ollie Watkins leaves Villa as Nicolas Jackson arrives

Aston Villa are undergoing a major change in attack, with Ollie Watkins leaving for Al-Hilal and Nicolas Jackson arriving from Chelsea. The transfer pair links the departure of one of the club’s established forwards with the recruitment of a Senegal international to fill his place in the squad.

The agreement between Villa and Al-Hilal values Watkins’ move at an estimated €60 million, including €2 million in possible bonuses. Jackson’s transfer to the Midlands is expected to cost €75 million, with bonuses included in that figure. Villa had already planned for Watkins’ exit by identifying the Chelsea striker as his successor.

Watkins joined Aston Villa from Brentford in September 2020, having begun his development at Exeter City. Across six seasons at Villa Park, the England international made 278 appearances, scored 108 goals and supplied 47 assists. His record means Villa are losing a forward with a substantial contribution in both goals and chance creation.

Jackson now moves from Chelsea to take on the attacking role left open by Watkins. The switch sends the English striker to Saudi Arabia and brings the Senegalese forward to Villa, making the two transfers one of the Premier League window’s notable linked deals.