Ollie Watkins signs for Fenerbahce in €25m deal this summer

**Ollie Watkins** is poised to join Turkish giants Fenerbahce on a three‑year deal, with a €25 million fee reported on 2 July 2026, marking a major shift ahead of the World Cup.

A report from Turkish outlet **Sabah** on Tuesday said Fenerbahce have reached a framework agreement with the 30‑year‑old striker. Watkins allegedly approved a three‑year contract that would pay him €9 million (£7.6 m) per season. The clubs still need to settle the final transfer fee, with Villa reportedly asking around €35 million while Fenerbahce aim for €25 million.

Watkins finished the 2025‑26 Premier League with 16 goals, his best tally since the 2023‑24 season when he hit 27. Across all competitions he netted 21, the second‑highest season total of his Villa career. In total he has 108 goals from 280 appearances, a figure that has cemented his status among the club’s modern heroes.

Fenerbahce already boast several proven forwards. New signing **Vedat Muriqi** arrived from Mallorca after scoring 23 in 37 La Liga games. **Kerem Aktürkoğlu**, 27, contributed 15 goals and 10 assists last term, while 19‑year‑old **Sidiki Çerif** added four goal involvements in 16 appearances. Watkins will face stiff competition for a starting spot, despite his Premier League pedigree.

The striker remains focused on the England squad for the upcoming World Cup, where he hopes to add a second star to his shirt. A move to Turkey could offer regular playing time, but the depth of Fenerbahce’s attack means he must earn his place quickly. England manager **Gareth Southgate** has not commented on the transfer, but the national team will monitor his form closely.

If Villa and Fenerbahce settle the fee in the coming days, Watkins could complete his medical and sign before the international break in early August. That timeline would allow him to join pre‑season training in Turkey and be match‑fit for the World Cup warm‑up fixtures.

A €9 million annual salary places Watkins among the higher earners in the Süper Lig, reflecting Fenerbahce’s ambition to compete domestically and in Europe. The reported €25 million fee, if confirmed, would be one of the club’s biggest expenditures this summer, signalling a push to strengthen the attacking line‑up.

Villa supporters have long praised Watkins for his consistency and work rate. Losing a player with over a century of goals will sting, especially after his recent goal‑rich season. Social media chatter already shows a mix of disappointment and gratitude, with many fans posting tributes to his contributions at Villa Park.

Watkins is expected to travel with England for the World Cup squad announcement later this month. After the tournament, he will likely head to Istanbul for medicals and contract signing. The next few weeks will determine whether he becomes a key figure in Fenerbahce’s attack or faces a battle for minutes among a crowded forward line.