Ollie Watkins' wife Ellie returns to UK with children amid Saudi Arabia security fears after £50M transfer
Ollie Watkins ’ big-money move to Saudi Arabia was supposed to mark an exciting new chapter for his family. Just months after leaving Aston Villa for Al-Hilal , however, the England striker is facing an unexpected change at home. His wife, Ellie Watkins , has returned to the UK with their two young children amid growing security concerns in Saudi Arabia. The decision has left the family temporarily living in two countries, while Watkins continues his football career in Riyadh. Ellie has now opened up about the sudden change through a candid TikTok update .
Ellie Watkins reveals why she left Saudi Arabia with childrenEllie explained that the family's plans had changed after the situation in Saudi Arabia became increasingly concerning. In her TikTok video, she did not announce a permanent departure but made it clear that she had no fixed date for returning.
"We've had a bit of a plot twist"
She then explained the reason behind the decision, saying:
"I have come back to the UK for, hopefully, a little bit. I don't actually know when."
The move comes amid renewed regional tensions and security concerns following deadly attacks in Saudi Arabia. A Houthi missile strike at Riyadh's airport in October reportedly killed 13 people and wounded more than 300. Another attack at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam also claimed two lives.
Ellie addressed the situation directly in her video.
"There's just a little bit of conflict and things going on over in Saudi and we basically decided just to stay here until it calms down."
For the couple, the decision appears to be centred on giving their children a more settled environment rather than making an immediate change to Watkins' professional commitments.
"I felt like I needed to do that for the kids so there is some form of normality until we can get back out there and all be together."
Ollie Watkins continues Al-Hilal career after £50M Aston Villa exitWhile Ellie and the children have returned to Britain, Watkins remains in Saudi Arabia to continue playing for Al-Hilal.
The £50 million-plus transfer from Aston Villa was one of the notable moves of the summer. It also marked a major change for the striker, who had spent several successful seasons in English football before accepting the opportunity in the Saudi Pro League.
His performances have given Al-Hilal reasons to be pleased with the signing. Watkins has reportedly registered six goals and five assists in his first 10 appearances for the club.
However, the wider situation in Saudi Arabia has affected more than individual families. The 2027 AFC Asian Cup , which the country was due to host in January, has been postponed until December 2027. Several other sporting events have also faced disruption, including the Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition.
For now, Watkins faces the challenge of balancing his new career with family life across two countries. Ellie has not given a date for their return, leaving their reunion dependent on how the situation develops.
Ellie Watkins reveals why she left Saudi Arabia with childrenEllie explained that the family's plans had changed after the situation in Saudi Arabia became increasingly concerning. In her TikTok video, she did not announce a permanent departure but made it clear that she had no fixed date for returning.
"We've had a bit of a plot twist"
She then explained the reason behind the decision, saying:
"I have come back to the UK for, hopefully, a little bit. I don't actually know when."
The move comes amid renewed regional tensions and security concerns following deadly attacks in Saudi Arabia. A Houthi missile strike at Riyadh's airport in October reportedly killed 13 people and wounded more than 300. Another attack at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam also claimed two lives.
Ellie addressed the situation directly in her video.
"There's just a little bit of conflict and things going on over in Saudi and we basically decided just to stay here until it calms down."
For the couple, the decision appears to be centred on giving their children a more settled environment rather than making an immediate change to Watkins' professional commitments.
"I felt like I needed to do that for the kids so there is some form of normality until we can get back out there and all be together."
Ollie Watkins continues Al-Hilal career after £50M Aston Villa exitWhile Ellie and the children have returned to Britain, Watkins remains in Saudi Arabia to continue playing for Al-Hilal.
The £50 million-plus transfer from Aston Villa was one of the notable moves of the summer. It also marked a major change for the striker, who had spent several successful seasons in English football before accepting the opportunity in the Saudi Pro League.
His performances have given Al-Hilal reasons to be pleased with the signing. Watkins has reportedly registered six goals and five assists in his first 10 appearances for the club.
However, the wider situation in Saudi Arabia has affected more than individual families. The 2027 AFC Asian Cup , which the country was due to host in January, has been postponed until December 2027. Several other sporting events have also faced disruption, including the Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition.
For now, Watkins faces the challenge of balancing his new career with family life across two countries. Ellie has not given a date for their return, leaving their reunion dependent on how the situation develops.
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