Aziz Yildirim reveals details of Watkins' failed transfer to Fenerbahçe

Former Fenerbahçe president Aziz Yıldırım revealed details of his club's attempts to sign English striker Ollie Watkins, confirming that the Turkish club made significant efforts to complete the deal, but the player rejected a move to Turkey.

Yıldırım said: "We tried to sign Watkins for a month, but he said he would not come to Türkiye, and his club did not want to sell him. We told them we were ready to pay any amount they wanted, but they refused."

Fenerbahçe's former president revealed that the deal ultimately went in favor of a Saudi club, explaining: "On the last day of the transfer market, he moved to Saudi Arabia for 60 million euros, with a very high salary."

Ollie Watkins has left Aston Villa during the recent transfer window to move to the Saudi Pro League, after Fenerbahçe failed in their attempts to persuade him to join their ranks.