Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal have emerged as major players in the summer transfer market after reportedly targeting England forwards Harry Kane and Ollie Watkins.
The Saudi club is looking to strengthen its attacking options and has identified the two England internationals as potential targets. While Kane remains expected to stay at Bayern Munich, Al-Hilal’s interest in the England captain has added another major storyline to an already busy transfer window.
Al-Hilal’s pursuit of Kane is particularly ambitious. The 33-year-old striker still has a contract with Bayern Munich and has been discussing a possible extension with the German champions.
Reports indicate that Kane’s representatives have held discussions with Al-Hilal, although a move to Saudi Arabia this summer is currently considered unlikely. Kane is reportedly preparing to discuss his future with Bayern, with the possibility of extending his stay at the club beyond his current contract.
Al-Hilal Turns Attention to Watkins
With Kane proving difficult to sign, Al-Hilal have also made a serious move for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.
Reports say the Saudi club submitted an initial offer worth around £38 million for Watkins. Aston Villa are reluctant to lose their leading striker, however, and Al-Hilal are reportedly preparing to improve their offer.
Watkins has been an important player for Villa since joining the club from Brentford in 2020. During his time at Villa Park, he has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most reliable goalscorers.
The England international reportedly scored 21 goals last season, making him an attractive option for Al-Hilal as the Saudi club searches for another high-profile forward.
There have also been reports that Watkins is open to the possibility of moving to Saudi Arabia. However, a final agreement between the clubs has not yet been reached, meaning negotiations could continue in the coming days.
Kane Remains Bayern’s Priority
While Al-Hilal’s interest has generated headlines, Kane’s situation at Bayern Munich remains the more complicated of the two transfer stories.
Kane has become an important part of Bayern’s attack since joining the club. His goalscoring record has strengthened his position as one of Europe’s leading forwards.
Bayern are therefore keen to keep him in Germany and are reportedly discussing a new contract with the striker.
Kane himself has indicated that he is relaxed about his contract situation. Reports suggest that talks over a new deal are expected to take place soon, making a move to Saudi Arabia less likely in the immediate future.
However, Al-Hilal’s interest demonstrates the financial power available to Saudi Pro League clubs.
Over the past few seasons, Saudi clubs have attracted some of the biggest names in world football with lucrative contracts and ambitious sporting projects. Al-Hilal already have several internationally recognised players in their squad and are continuing to strengthen.
Al-Hilal Looking for a Marquee Forward
The club’s interest in Kane and Watkins is part of a wider search for an attacking player who can become a major figure in the team.
Al-Hilal are managed by Simone Inzaghi and have already made significant moves in the transfer market. The club recently signed Crysencio Summerville from West Ham in a major deal, while their squad includes players such as Ruben Neves, Darwin Núñez, Theo Hernández and Karim Benzema.
The club’s recruitment strategy shows that it wants to compete at the highest level of the Saudi Pro League while also building a squad capable of challenging in continental competition.
Signing either Kane or Watkins would therefore represent another major statement.
Kane would arguably be the bigger name because of his international reputation and achievements in European football. Watkins, meanwhile, could offer Al-Hilal a younger alternative with Premier League experience and a strong goalscoring record.
What Could Happen Next?
The next few days could be important for both players.
For Watkins, Al-Hilal’s reported willingness to increase its offer could put pressure on Aston Villa to make a decision. Villa would have to determine whether the financial benefits of a major transfer outweigh the sporting consequences of losing one of their most important attackers.
For Kane, the situation appears less urgent.
The England captain is reportedly focused on Bayern Munich and could sign a new contract with the Bundesliga club. Sky Sports also reports that Kane is expected to reject Saudi interest and remain committed to Bayern.
Nevertheless, Al-Hilal’s interest is unlikely to disappear quietly.
The Saudi club has demonstrated that it is prepared to pursue elite players, and Kane’s name represents one of the biggest possible additions available on the international market.
For now, Kane appears more likely to remain in Germany, while Watkins’ situation could develop more quickly if Al-Hilal submit an improved offer to Aston Villa.
The developments underline the growing influence of the Saudi Pro League in the global transfer market. With clubs willing to spend heavily on established international stars, European teams are increasingly facing competition for some of the world’s most recognisable players.
As the transfer window approaches its closing stages, football fans will be watching closely to see whether Al-Hilal can complete one of the biggest attacking signings of the summer—or whether Kane and Watkins will remain in European football.
