Aston Villa are set to receive less money than anticipated from the sale of Ollie Watkins to Al Hilal, according to Birmingham Live. The local outlet reported on 10 September that the club will take a financial hit on the transaction, which carried a reported overall fee of £51m.
The striker's departure was completed before the summer transfer window closed on 1 September. While the headline figure suggests a substantial return, Birmingham Live indicates that deductions mean Villa's actual income from the move falls short of that amount.
The publication does not specify the exact sum the club will ultimately bank, nor does it outline the precise reason for the reduction. Sell-on clauses, agent fees or structured payment terms could all affect the final figure arriving at Villa Park, though none of those factors are detailed in the report.
With the window now shut until January 2027, any shortfall is something the club must absorb for the current campaign. Watkins has already moved on to his new team in Saudi Arabia, leaving Villa to manage their attacking options without him.
