Arsenal and Liverpool have both been handed a second chance to sign Pape Gueye with the Le Havre starlet telling L’Equipe that he will not be joining Watford after all.
The transfer window isn’t even open and the Hornets have already found themselves at the centre of a storm.
Watford announced the signing of 21-year-old Gueye recently with a player who had stood out head and shoulders above the rest in Ligue 2 seemingly on his way to Vicarage Road.
Though, from the very first minute that the deal was made public, it seemed that not everything was at it seemed.
And, after weeks of confusion and head-scratching, Gueye has now taken matters into his own hands. Watford fans, look away now.
“First of all, I would like to thank Le Havre. After eight years at the club, it’s time to turn the page. On the evening of June 30, I will leave the club that formed me,” says the midfielder, who will be a free agent in a fortnight’s time.
“For me, the future is still uncertain. My fault in this story is to have trusted a person who advised me badly.
“I wanted to denounce the circumstances which surrounded the signature of a contract with Watford and what I consider to be irregularities directly with their representatives. After numerous discussions, I note to this day that no administrative process concerning me has really been undertaken.
“Consequently, and considering that the contract has not yet taken effect, I take note of the end of all contractual link with the club of Watford.”
It’s fair to say now, then, that things are a little clearer. We don’t know why Gueye is not joining Watford but we do know that he is back on the market.
Though do not expect one of the most highly-rated young midfielders in Europe to be a free agent for long. Jeunes Footeaux reported that Arsenal were close to an agreement in February before Watford moved into pole position.
Liverpool were then linked a few weeks’ later via The Express.
And given that both Arsenal and Liverpool appear to have made talented youngsters their top priority this summer, Watford’s one-that-got-away could be on his way to something a little bigger.
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