'I'm still in shock' - Ollie Watkins' wife left emotional after arriving in Saudi Arabia

Ollie Watkins made the perfect start to life in Saudi Arabia, scoring in his debut for Al-Hilal as they won 3-1 over Al-Ahli.

The good start would continue in the next fixture as he featured in their 2-0 victory over Al-Shabab, demonstrating just how easily he has taken to life in Saudi Arabia.

Fans may forget that it is not just Watkins that has moved to the Middle East, as his wife, Ellie, has also packed her bags.

Now, she has shared an emotional post about her relocation.

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Ellie Watkins shares an emotional post about moving to Saudi Arabia

Watkins tied the knot in May 2025 with his long-term partner Ellie Alderson with the pair moving to Saudi Arabia, along with their two children, following the striker’s decision to exit Aston Villa.

The 30-year-old spent six seasons in Birmingham with Villa, helping the club lift the Europa League last season.

However, with the striker still arguably in the prime of his career there was some surprise about his decision to make the move to Saudi Arabia, and one of those feeling that way is his wife Ellie.

She took to TikTok to share her thoughts on the move from Birmingham to Saudi Arabia, admitting it had not been part of her plans for 2026.

Ellie said: “This was certainly not on my bucket list for 2026," she explained to her followers. "We have arrived in Saudi Arabia and I think I am still in shock, to be honest. It is amazing how quickly life can change, but that is the beauty of football."

"I am a very emotional person and it breaks my heart to close this incredible chapter," she added.

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Ollie Watkins’ thoughts on the Saudi Pro League

Watkins was one of the most prolific strikers in the Premier League across his six seasons in the division, scoring 91 goals in 221 appearances.

It must also be noted that he finished among the top 10 scorers in five of the six campaigns he was involved in the English top flight; the only season this did not happen was in 2021/22.

That was a difficult campaign for Villa as they finished 14^th, and saw Steven Gerrard replace Dean Smith as manager in November 2021.

Now, the England international is aiming to bring this scoring form to the Saudi Pro League.

Speaking to ESPN about the league, he said: “The level I saw here today was honestly of Premier League quality. The match was very strong physically and demanding, and the quality was extremely high.

"I knew straight away [to join Al-Hilal when the offer came]. I watched the [FIFA] Club World Cup and I saw how well they performed. I always see who's at the top of the league and they're always up there.

"And look, I want to come here. I want to win trophies and I think this team is going to give me the best possible chance of doing that.

“I want to score in every game, but I kept going, kept going, and I'm going to get a lot of chances. Ruben [Neves] and Serge [Milinkovic-Savic] are very intelligent players, and all I need to do is make the run.

"I'm a bit rusty at the moment, only had a couple of days training, so once I get in the groove, I'm going to be good."