August 23, 2026 • 6:49 PM EDT
Updated 15 days ago
It looks like Cristiano Ronaldo’s rivalry with Al Hilal is about to heat up again, and this time it’s much more than just bragging rights. While Karim Benzema’s future in Saudi Arabia is hanging by a thread, Al Hilal are making serious moves for two Premier League heavyweights: Ollie Watkins and Gabriel Martinelli. If this happens, the Saudi Pro League’s power balance could tip even further.
Ronaldo has already been pretty outspoken about Al Hilal’s seemingly endless budget compared to his own Al Nassr. Now, with Benzema unsettled and on the brink, Al Hilal are putting their money where their mouth is by chasing two attackers who would instantly make them favorites. According to World Soccer Talk, the club’s ready to throw big money at both moves.
Fabrizio Romano says Al Hilal are actively negotiating with both Aston Villa’s Watkins and Arsenal’s Martinelli. Their head coach Simone Inzaghi is just waiting for the green light to reshape his front line. Watkins wasn’t even on Villa’s squad for their opener at Brighton. That’s led to all kinds of rumors about him wanting out and a mysterious comment from Unai Emery who said after the match, “I cannot answer this question. Ollie can.“ That tells you how tense things are getting.
Here’s what matters for you: Romano states Watkins has already settled personal terms with Al Hilal. Now both clubs have to agree on a transfer fee after Villa rejected their first £45 million offer. They’re hunting for a replacement and clearly not in a hurry to sell for cheap. On Martinelli’s side, David Ornstein from The Athletic reports Arsenal want at least £60 million for their Brazilian attacker, though the player himself isn’t opposed to a move to Saudi Arabia.
- Watkins and Martinelli both left out of recent matchday squads, fueling exit rumors.
- Al Hilal have already cleared foreign player slots by transferring Malcom and loaning Darwin Nunez.
- Talks with Aston Villa and Arsenal are ongoing, with bids already rejected and improved offers on the way.
- If Al Hilal land a new striker, Benzema’s time at the club is likely over.
- Ronaldo’s Al Nassr can’t match this level of spending, emphasizing the financial gulf.
Both Watkins and Martinelli were missing from matchday squads as exit chatter intensified. Watkins means goals and movement; Martinelli means creativity and end product. With the Saudi window closing in two weeks, it’s crunch time for these deals. And this isn’t just about adding talent — Al Hilal’s already thinking ahead, freeing up two foreign player slots by shipping Malcom to Al Jazira and sending Darwin Nunez out on loan. That’s pro-level squad management you only see from teams looking to dominate.
Benzema, meanwhile, is caught in the crossfire. If Watkins comes in, Benzema could be pushed straight out. There’s talk of friction between the French striker and Al Hilal’s technical staff. His contract keeps him at the club for now, but once his replacement is signed, expect speculation to go through the roof.
Al Hilal’s latest move shows just how big the gap’s grown. They’ve already signed Crysencio Summerville for €64.5 million and are now aiming for two World Cup-level attackers. Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s Al Nassr have made just one major signing and are having to cut costs. The difference couldn’t be clearer — and if these deals land, Al Hilal are on track to set a new standard in the SPL, both in financial muscle and firepower.
Al Hilal going all in for SPL supremacy
This isn’t a normal transfer window. Al Hilal aren’t just building for now, they’re laying groundwork to be the league’s dominant force for years to come. If Watkins and Martinelli make the switch, it signals a new era in Saudi football and sends a message: if you’re a top SPL rival, you’ll need to think way bigger to compete.
Key takeaways for bettors and fans
- Al Hilal are favorites to shake up the league with potential signings of Watkins and Martinelli.
- Benzema’s exit becomes more likely if a new center forward joins.
- Squad management moves (Malcom and Nunez out) give clear space for incoming stars.
- Al Nassr, with Ronaldo, can’t match Al Hilal’s transfer spending right now.
- Bettors should watch roster developments; market odds for title futures may shift fast.
- Transfer window closes in two weeks; quick action possible on both deals.
- Uncertainty over squad status may lead to volatility in player props or outright goals markets.
- Al Hilal’s transfer strategy is aggressive: watch for others in the league to respond.
What’s next?
If Al Hilal pull both signings off, you’re looking at a seismic power shift in the Saudi Pro League. Keep your eye on this window — these aren’t just transfers, they’re statements. If you’re betting futures or transfers, pay close attention. The pendulum in Saudi football is swinging, and it could land firmly in Al Hilal’s hands.
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