Ellie Watkins, wife of footballer Ollie Watkins, has shared an update on her family’s new life in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, expressing optimism and excitement as they settle in. The move follows Ollie Watkins’ significant transfer from Aston Villa to Saudi club Al-Hilal, reportedly worth £51 million. Initially, the transition presented emotional challenges for Ellie, who had previously shared tearful reflections on leaving their established life in Birmingham. However, recent social media posts indicate a shift towards embracing their new surroundings and future in the Middle East.
Settling into Riyadh Life
In a recent Instagram update, Ellie Watkins conveyed a sense of progress and anticipation. “Feeling excited now things are starting to come together,” she wrote, accompanying a photo taken from a car, suggesting she was actively organizing their new life in Riyadh. This sentiment marks a notable contrast to her earlier expressions of shock and sadness regarding the abrupt nature of the move, a common experience for families navigating the dynamic world of professional football transfers.
To mark this new phase, Ellie treated herself to a pedicure, humorously captioning the moment, “First things first.” This act of self-care underscores her commitment to establishing a sense of normalcy and comfort in their new home. The family, including Ollie and their two young children, Amara (five) and Marley (three), has relocated to the Saudi capital, embarking on what is described as a “next chapter” in their lives.
Navigating Initial Challenges
Despite the growing excitement, the transition has not been without its hurdles. Ellie recently disclosed that the children’s enrollment in their new school did not proceed as initially planned. “Kids didn’t start school this week as originally planned so trying to keep them entertained and everything else that needs to be done is a juggle,” she explained, highlighting the complexities of solo parenting during such a significant upheaval. She shared a video of her son enjoying playtime, illustrating her efforts to maintain a positive and engaging environment for the children amidst the logistical challenges.
These initial difficulties, however, appear to be overshadowed by the family’s overall positive outlook. Earlier in the week, Ellie shared heartwarming family photographs from their first few days in Saudi Arabia. In one image, she appeared effortlessly stylish alongside Ollie at the Al Hilal Saudi Club, signaling their integration into the club’s community. These moments, shared under the caption “Next chapter,” garnered supportive messages from friends and fellow partners of footballers (WAGs).
Reflections on the Aston Villa Departure
The move to Saudi Arabia represented the end of a significant era for the Watkins family, who had spent six years at Aston Villa. Ellie had previously documented her emotional farewell to their life in Birmingham in a candid TikTok video. She spoke about the bittersweet nature of leaving a place where they had built a life, welcomed their children, and formed lasting friendships.
“My heart is hurting as we end the most amazing 6 years at Villa,” she expressed in an Instagram post, accompanied by photos celebrating their favorite memories. “We had our beautiful babies here, made friends for life and have a built a life here that I will always be so grateful for.” She reflected on witnessing Ollie’s career progression, acknowledging both the triumphs and challenges, and expressed immense pride in his achievements and character.
Ellie acknowledged the deep gratitude she felt for the people they met during their time in Birmingham, emphasizing that the friendships formed would endure. “It’s the end of our most amazing chapter. Now it’s time for a new adventure,” she concluded, setting a tone of hopeful anticipation for the future.
Embracing the Future in Saudi Arabia
In her earlier emotional video, Ellie had also voiced her excitement for the change of scenery, believing the move would be beneficial for the children. “I think it’s going to be amazing for the kids and I think they are going to have the best time ever,” she stated. She drew parallels to their move to Birmingham, recalling similar feelings of nervousness and eventual adaptation. “I remember feeling like that when we moved to Birmingham so hopefully you can follow my journey in Saudi,” she added, inviting her followers to share in their new experiences.
The footballer’s transfer to Al-Hilal marks a significant career move, placing him among other high-profile players who have recently moved to the Saudi Pro League. This trend reflects a growing trend of international talent heading to Saudi Arabia, drawn by lucrative contracts and the league’s increasing ambition. For the Watkins family, this transition signifies not just a change of club but a profound shift in their lifestyle and environment, presenting both opportunities for growth and the inevitable challenges of adapting to a new culture and country.
As Ellie Watkins continues to share updates, her narrative evolves from one of initial apprehension to one of active engagement and positive outlook. The family’s journey in Riyadh is unfolding, marked by the everyday realities of settling in, managing family life, and embracing the adventures that lie ahead in their new Saudi Arabian home.
