Premier League outfit Watford are expected to break their transfer record to sign £27m-rated Ligue 1 star Ismaila Sarr.
Watford appear to be edging ever closer to the club-record signing of Rennes winger Ismaila Sarr after Rennes’ president Olivier Letang confirmed the Hornets’ interest, according to the Mirror (24 July, page 58).
Watford’s ability to spot a diamond in the rough continues, somehow, to go under the radar.
In the last few years, Richarlison, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Roberto Pereyra and Gerard Deulofeu have all arrived at Vicarage Road in bargain deals that must have the rest of the Premier League wondering why they missed out.
And while Sarr will be far more expensive than any of the aforementioned quartet, he fits the Watford style of signing young, hungry players with plenty of room for improvement.
The report claims that Rennes want £27 million for their prized asset while last season’s FA Cup finalists are willing to pay just £22 million so far. Either way, that is still more than Watford paid Burnley for Andre Grey, their current record signing, in 2017.
“Only Watford have shown a real interest in the player. We would be very happy if Ismaila stayed another year but it’s a strong possibility he will go if we receive an offer we can’t refuse,” Letang said.
The explosive right winger produced 13 goals and 11 assists for Rennes last season, helping the Ligue 1 outfit reach the Europa League last-16 and win the Coupe de France title at the expense of Paris Saint-Germain.
But Watford’s interest comes at a cost. The Mirror believes that they could sell Pereyra to make room for Sarr with Atletico Madrid interested in an Argentine international who is valued at £25 million.
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