Transfer: Benzema’s contract set to be terminated

Al Hilal are set to terminate Karim Benzema’s contract having signed Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa.

The 38-year-old has reached an agreement to part ways with the Saudi Arabian club, according to The Guardian.

The amicable termination will see Benzema receive around €17 million from the club.

Villa have confirmed Watkins has completed a permanent transfer to Al Hilal. The deal is worth £50m.

A statement from the club confirming the news read: “Aston Villa can confirm that Ollie Watkins has completed a permanent transfer to Al Hilal.

“Signed by Dean Smith in 2020, Watkins hit double figures in every one of his six seasons at Villa Park and departs as our record Premier League goalscorer with a total of 91.

“He was also the first player in the modern era to score over 100 goals in claret and blue, achieving his century against Bologna last season.

“During his time at Villa Park, he has become an England international, representing the Three Lions at two major international tournaments.

“Capable of scoring different types of goals with a ruthless streak, allied to a selfless work ethic for his team’s benefit, Watkins leaves Villa having played his part in our UEFA Europa League victory and with the very best wishes of everyone at the football club.”