Exeter City say they expect to receive a ‘solidarity payment’ as Ollie Watkins leaves Aston Villa for Al-Hilal.
Due to FIFA’s solidarity payment mechanism, a proportion of any transfer fee is handed out to clubs involved in training and developing a player between the ages of 12 and 23.
It will be a huge boost to the League Two side’s finances and long term future, having struggled in recent times.
Exeter sold Ollie Watkins in 2017 to Brentford, who then went on to sign for Aston Villa.
Four months ago, they issued a statement following relegation, which marked an end to their four year stay in League One.
They said they were set for ‘drastic’ squad cuts, with ‘both boards of the Supporters’ Trust and club working closely together to ensure long term stability in an increasingly challenging football environment.
They added they would ‘continue to explore all of the options available to us to increase our playing budget for the coming season.’
Devon Live report that the Grecians could receive between £1.75m and £2m after leaving Villa for £51m.
📝 Club Update: Ollie Watkins transfer
We can confirm we expect to receive a solidarity payment following the transfer of Ollie Watkins to Al-Hilal
Full story ⬇️#ECFC #OurWay https://t.co/rz43EDMz9q
— Exeter City FC (@OfficialECFC) August 30, 2026
Exeter City said on their website: “We can confirm we expect to receive a payment following the transfer of Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.
“This process involves a number of clubs – Exeter City, Brentford, to whom Exeter sold Ollie in 2017, Aston Villa and Al-Hilal – and is subject to confidentiality clauses which are beyond the control of Exeter City Football Club.
“Under FIFA’s solidarity payment mechanism, a proportion of any transfer fee is distributed to clubs involved in training and developing a player between the ages of 12 and 23. Ollie was part of the Exeter City Academy from the age of 11 in 2007 and made his first team debut in 2014 after signing his first professional contract that season.
“We are awaiting further details regarding the payment. We do not know how long this process will take to conclude, but we do not anticipate receiving any sum before the end of the current transfer window. Subject to the terms agreed, it is also possible that payments will be in instalments over a number of years.
“To ensure full transparency, we will share further information with supporters when we are able to do so, however, this will be in line with the confidentiality agreements in place. We can assure supporters that any sum received will be used to protect and strengthen the long-term security of the Club.
“We wish Ollie well with this next chapter in his career. He is a fantastic footballer – a product of the Exeter City Academy that the whole Club is enormously proud of. As we do with all of our Academy graduates, we will continue to follow his career with great interest and pride.”
View this post on Instagram
Aston Villa said in a statement on their website: “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.”
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… pic.twitter.com/VmFKQDMmYJ
— Aston Villa (@AstonVilla) August 30, 2026
Watkins said captioned a post with a video on his departure from Aston Villa: “6 amazing years has come to an end.
“Thank you for the amazing memories and always supporting me through highs and lows.
“Saying goodbye is never easy to this club as it’s been a massive part of my life on and off the pitch.
Once a villan always a villan 💜”
In the clip, he said: “Hi villains. Firstly, I’d like to say, never did I intend, nor did I imagine, my time at Aston Villa would end this way. With that being said, I’m eternally grateful for the last six years.
“Not only has it shaped me as a player, but as a person. We’ve been through so many ups and downs during my six seasons here.
“But one thing that has never changed is that I’ve given everything for this club. From my first goals in the 7-2 win against Liverpool, getting the club back into Europe, the Champions League nights at Villa Park, to that unforgettable night in Istanbul and become Villa’s record Premier League goal scorer. It’s an achievement I never thought would be possible when assigned for the club.
“I want to thank everyone who’s contributed to my time here. Dean Smith, Steven Gerrard and especially Unai Emery for always believing in me.
“For me personally, my two children were born here in Birmingham. And to see them walk on the pitch and you fans singing my name in the whole end in front of them and my family is something that will always stay with me forever. Birmingham will always be home and so will Villa.
“After six years, time to say goodbye. It’s time for a new chapter that I’m excited about. However, I close this chapter with a heavy heart. But love will always mean so much to me. Thank you guys from the bottom of my heart. Oli.”
Al Hilal wrote via their website: “The board of directors expressed their appreciation to His Royal Highness Prince Alwaleed bin Talal for sponsoring the transfer of Ollie Watkins to Al-Hilal. They extended their sincere gratitude to His Highness for his permanent support to the club, his ongoing contributions to its progress, his efforts to enhance its competitiveness, and his dedication to fulfilling the aspirations of the fans.
“Watkins, 30, began his professional career with Exeter City before moving to Brentford, where he played until 2020. During his time with Brentford, he won the English Championship’s Player of the Year before transferring to Aston Villa that same year.
“During his time with Aston Villa, Watkins participated in both domestic and European competitions, contributing to his team’s Europa League title win in the 2025/26 season, securing his first professional trophy.
“Internationally, Watkins made his debut for England national team in 2021, representing them on numerous occasions, most notably at UEFA Euro 2024 and the FIFA World Cup 2026. He has earned 24 caps for England, scoring seven goals.
“Watkins is expected to join Al-Hilal team’s training session this evening in preparation for the match against Al-Ahli next Tuesday in Roshn Saudi League.”
🎶🎶🎶 pic.twitter.com/0fVwf3tMaL
— نادي الهلال السعودي (@Alhilal_FC) August 30, 2026
Here’s how fans reacted with Exeter to receive ‘solidarity payment’ as Ollie Watkins leaves Aston Villa for Al-Hilal…
@BAZLORD: Comment from the so called elite teams fans shows their class… if it wasn’t for Exeter and smaller clubs these players wouldn’t have started…. Just let them have a slice of the pie ffs.. football is definitely dying because of the greed of the top flight.
@BinnyPiper: This is how I found out the transfer was completed 😂 wasted no time. In seriousness though people are taking the piss but this is proper open and transparent communication, no hiding and keeping the fans informed straight away. Some people could take note
@JYOU95x: The amount of clueless people in the comments who have no idea how clauses in contracts work 😂
@Jimmythegloves: Good effort Exeter! Horrendous outlook from ‘fans’ of bigger clubs. This is how the football pyramid should work…Blackpool fan and wishing you the best for the season 🍊
@cvhdavidblues:
1. Good, you were a big part of his development.
2. As a fan-owned members club thus is the level of update/transparency one hopes for.
3. Some of the replies are odd. And these amounts m are only ever on future profit. The pyramid needs continued support.
4. Will help you.
@Ph1l1p1812: Its a fifa mechanism, which is great when you look into it as gives these lower league clubs who’ve invested in them from an academy age money back.
@ECous24: The replies to this show that the average football fan (and I guess the average Villa fan) has the intelligence of a rusty door hinge
@Jackvickery_: Ollie Watkins, the gift that keeps on giving. Timely cash injection for us. #ecfc
@adoodlebug10: Why’s everyone crying about us getting money from this Watkins deal 🤣🤣 #ecfc
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