Watkins' Salary Revealed After Joining Al Hilal

Al Hilal has received approval from Aston Villa to finalize the signing of English striker Ollie Watkins during the summer transfer window, according to journalist Sasha Tavolieri.

Tavolieri reported that the agreement between the two clubs came after Aston Villa stipulated the need for a replacement striker before allowing Watkins to depart, a requirement that the English club has successfully fulfilled.

Al-Ettifaq is paving the way for the English striker to embark on a new experience in the Saudi Pro League, as he prepares to travel to the capital Riyadh in the coming days to finalize his transfer to Al Hilal.

Watkins is set to earn an annual salary of $15 million, according to the same source, in a deal that reflects Al Hilal's significant investment in his attacking capabilities for the upcoming period.

The total value of the deal is around 450 million Riyals, with reports indicating that Prince Alwaleed bin Talal is covering the cost of the transaction.

Al Hilal's move to bolster its frontline comes amid the uncertainty surrounding the future of French striker Karim Benzema, prompting the club to seek a prominent forward with extensive European experience.

Al Hilal had made several offers to secure the services of Watkins, before negotiations reached their final stages. The value of the latest offer was estimated at around £45 million.

Al Hilal is set to officially announce the signing in the coming hours, pending the completion of final procedures, making Watkins one of the most anticipated names in the team's attack.