Ollie Watkins’ wife, Ellie, says her “heart is hurting” as the family leaves behind the life it built during the striker’s six years at Aston Villa and begins a new chapter in Saudi Arabia.
Ellie shared an emotional Instagram farewell after Watkins completed his transfer to Al-Hilal, writing that the couple welcomed their children during his time at Villa, made friends for life and created a home she would always be grateful for. After arriving in Riyadh, she also admitted the sudden change “wasn’t on my bingo card for 2026” and that she was still processing how quickly their lives had changed.
Ellie said she loved the family’s life in Birmingham and became emotional discussing what they were leaving behind, but she also said she was excited for a change of scenery and believed the experience would be “amazing” for their children.
Aston Villa and Al-Hilal confirmed the transfer on Aug. 30. Neither club disclosed the fee, although British media reports have placed it at approximately £50 million to £51 million. Al-Hilal confirmed that the 30-year-old England striker signed a three-year contract.
Ellie Said Villa Became the Family’s Home
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“Anyone that knows me knows how emotional I am,” Ellie began her farewell post. “My heart is hurting as we end the most amazing 6 years at Villa.”
She said the couple had welcomed their “beautiful babies” during those years, made lifelong friends and built a life she would always appreciate. Ellie also reflected on watching Watkins’ career develop through both its highs and lows and said she was proud not only of what he achieved but of the person he remained throughout it.
The emotions continued after the family arrived in Riyadh. Ellie said she was “still in shock” at how quickly football could change their lives and described leaving Birmingham after six settled years as bittersweet. At the same time, she said she was excited about the new experience and expected their children to enjoy life in Saudi Arabia.
Ellie and Watkins share two children, Amara and Marley. Their relationship also predates his Villa career: British Vogue reported that they met during a Marbella trip in 2018 and later married in the South of France in June 2025 after holding their legal ceremony in London several weeks earlier.
The wedding interview also supports Ellie’s description of herself as emotional. “I’m a really emotional person and cry over almost anything,” she told British Vogue, although she said she was unexpectedly calm during the ceremony itself.
Watkins Left as Villa’s Record Premier League Scorer
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Watkins joined Aston Villa from Brentford in 2020 and scored in double figures in each of his six seasons at the club. He leaves with 108 goals in 278 appearances across all competitions, including 91 Premier League goals, more than any other Villa player has scored in the competition.
His final full season also brought the first major trophy of his professional career. Watkins scored 21 times across all competitions as Villa won the 2025-26 Europa League, their first European trophy in 44 years.
Watkins posted his own farewell video after the move was confirmed. “Six amazing years has come to an end,” he wrote, thanking supporters for staying with him through the highs and lows and saying Villa had become an important part of his life both on and off the pitch.
“Once a villain always a villain,” Watkins added. In his longer farewell, he also reflected on having both of his children during his years in Birmingham and seeing them on the Villa Park pitch while supporters sang his name.
Unai Emery Accepted Watkins’ Apology Before He Left
The final weeks of Watkins’ Villa career were more complicated than the six seasons that preceded them. Manager Unai Emery said the striker made himself unavailable for the club’s Premier League opener against Brighton while his future was being negotiated.
Watkins subsequently returned and apologized. Emery said the forward acknowledged that he had made a mistake and that both the manager and his teammates accepted the apology. Emery described Watkins as “a fantastic guy” whose overall commitment and behavior at Villa had been excellent.
The farewell was emotional for the manager as well. “I told him ‘bye’ with a huge hug and with small tears,” Emery said, according to Reuters, before turning his attention to Villa’s next chapter.
Watkins Went Straight Into Al-Hilal Training
Al-Hilal completed Watkins’ signing ceremony at Almajdiah Sport Hub in Riyadh and confirmed that his contract will keep him at the Saudi club for three years.
The transition from transfer announcement to football was almost immediate. Al-Hilal confirmed that Watkins joined the team’s training session on Sunday evening after completing his transfer procedures.
He trained as head coach Simone Inzaghi prepared the squad for its Saudi Pro League meeting with Al-Ahli at Kingdom Arena on Tuesday, Sept. 1.