According to reports, Watkins stated that the Saudi Pro League is comparable in level to the Premier League.

An increasing number of players are leaving European football to join the Saudi Pro League, seeking lucrative contracts to secure their financial futures. The latest high-profile signing is Ollie Watkins, who enjoyed an outstanding 2025-26 season with Aston Villa.

While more European players move to Saudi Arabia each year, many fans remain skeptical about the league's true competitive standard. Watkins, however, was forthright in comparing the two domestic leagues he has recently played in.

Despite having several seasons ahead of him in European football, Watkins opted to join Al-Hilal, with Aston Villa receiving a €58 million transfer fee.

Watkins' Al-Hilal debut generated considerable anticipation. Playing only the second half against Al-Ahli, he scored a goal in the team's 3-0 victory. Milinkovic-Savic, Crysencio Summerville, and Watkins were the goalscorers.

Beyond the debut win, Watkins' post-match comments drew significant attention. He said: "The level of the Saudi Pro League is indeed comparable to the Premier League." He also described matches in Saudi Arabia as "very physical, demanding, and of very high quality," and praised the atmosphere as "incredible." Though new to the club, Watkins has clearly settled into his new environment.

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