Ollie Watkins' wife Ellie returns to UK with children as Houthi strikes hit Saudi Arabia

Ellie Watkins has returned to the United Kingdom with her two children after Houthi missile strikes escalated tensions in Saudi Arabia, where her husband Ollie has been playing for Al-Hilal since leaving Aston Villa in the summer. The England striker’s move was reported to be worth £20 million per year, tax-free.

In a TikTok post, Ellie explained her decision plainly: “We’ve had a bit of a plot twist. I have come back to the UK for, hopefully, a little bit. 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. 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.”

The family’s departure follows a series of serious incidents in the region. In October, a Houthi air strike on Riyadh’s airport killed 13 people, while two further fatalities were recorded in a separate attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. Saudi Arabia has since been operating reduced airport services in the aftermath.

Ellie and Ollie’s daughter Amara, five, and son Marley, three, have accompanied her back to the UK. There is no indication that Watkins himself is set to follow, barring a potential call-up to the England squad for the upcoming international break.

The striker has made a strong start to life in the Saudi Pro League, scoring five goals and registering five assists in eight appearances. That form could yet attract the attention of England head coach Thomas Tuchel, who previously called up Ivan Toney for international duty despite Toney’s move to Saudi side Al-Ahli.

The broader instability in the region has also had consequences for the sport itself. The AFC Asian Cup, which had been scheduled to run from 7 January to 5 February in Saudi Arabia, has been postponed. The Asian Football Confederation cited “exceptional circumstances arising from developments in the region, including substantial logistical complexities and travel disruptions.” The tournament has been rescheduled to December 2027, running through to January 2028.