Ellie Watkins has admitted she is still in shock after her husband Ollie completed a stunning €60 million transfer to Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal. The England international brought an end to his six successful years with Aston Villa, with his family delivering an emotional farewell as they prepare for life in Riyadh.

Watkins makes immediate impact

Watkins has made a flying start in the Saudi Pro League, scoring on his debut as Al-Hilal brushed aside Al-Ahli 3-0. The £51 million summer arrival from Villa came off the bench and found the net with a late header, wrapping up a comfortable win for Simone Inzaghi’s side.

Although the England forward has settled quickly on the pitch, his family is still coming to terms with the sudden move. Watkins’ wife Ellie recently revealed the emotional strain of leaving Birmingham, saying the major switch to Riyadh has left her stunned.

Ellie shares her shock

After six successful years at Villa Park, where Watkins became the club’s all-time leading Premier League scorer, the abrupt transfer took many people by surprise. Ellie shared her honest reaction on TikTok, saying that a move to the Middle East had not been part of her plans for 2026.

“This was certainly not on my bucket list for 2026,” she told her followers. “We have arrived in Saudi Arabia and I think I am still in shock, to be honest. It is amazing how quickly life can change, but that is the beauty of football. I am a very emotional person and it breaks my heart to close this incredible chapter.”

Premier League standard in Riyadh

Despite the emotional changes away from football, Watkins showed his usual professionalism on the pitch. Brought on at half-time against Al-Ahli, the 30-year-old climbed at the back post to meet Sultan Mandash’s cross in the 86th minute, adding to earlier goals from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Crysencio Summerville. After the final whistle, Watkins spoke of his happiness with both his own start and the standard of his new league.

“I’m happy to be here,” Watkins said. “Amazing start. I’m looking forward to many more games here at home. It’s been a good start. Very good. The standard here today was as good as in the Premier League, to be honest. Very physical, demanding and the quality was top. Amazing.

“I didn’t expect it to be like that when I first came onto the pitch. I checked out the pitch before the game. The atmosphere was amazing. The fans were calling my name. Amazing start.”

Al-Hilal maintain perfect start

After his eye-catching cameo against Al-Ahli, Watkins was soon handed a place in the starting XI. The English attacker started from the opening whistle as Al-Hilal preserved their perfect start to the season with a straightforward 2-0 win over Al-Shabab.

They now sit top of the Saudi Pro League table with a flawless 15 points from five matches. Watkins and his new team-mates will aim to continue that winning run when they return to action on Monday. Al-Hilal are now getting ready to take on newly-promoted Neom in their next league outing.