Realistically speaking, nobody really expected Emmanuel Dennis to still be a Watford player by the time the clock struck midnight on September 1st. But losing Dennis, Ismaila Sarr and Joao Pedro in the same window? As things stand, it seems that all three will be long gone by the time next month arrives at Vicarage Road.
Elton John’s I Guess that’s why they call it the Blues, one suspects, will hit differently for Watford coach Rob Edwards today.
Because, according to The Times, Newcastle United are closing in on a £30 million deal for Joao Pedro, despite Edwards’ cries of Don’t Go Breaking my Heart. The Magpies saw an opening bid of £20 million rejected earlier this week. Ismaila Sarr, meanwhile, could exit to Crystal Palace for a similar fee, joining Nottingham Forest newbie Dennis back in the top-flight (Foot Mercato).
At least, with all three players set to earn Watford a sizeable windfall, Edwards and co will have plenty of funds to play with over the next two weeks; Even if finding replacements of equal quality may be a bridge too far.
Per The Athletic, Watford will also receive a further £1 million following Pervis Estupinan’s move to Brighton and Hove Albion, thanks to a sell-on clause in the left-back’s contract.
How do Watford replace Ismaila Sarr and Joao Pedro?
Talks with 19-year-old Fluminense forward Matheus Martins are underway. An unknown quantity he may be, but Watford surely deserve the benefit of the doubt. Richarlison and Joao Pedro arrived as fresh-faced youngsters from Brazilian football, after all, and could end up earning the Hertfordshire outfit around £80 million.
O Jogo believes that Martins could set Watford back around £9 million. A tricky, unpredictable, right-footed left-winger, the former Brazil youth star should step into Dennis’ shoes. Edwards’ very own Rocketman, perhaps?
At least, in Aston Villa loanee Keinan Davis, Watford already have a centre-forward who has proven himself to be a difference-maker in the heart of a promotion battle. Davis, wrecking ball of a number nine, helped fire Nottingham Forest to Wembley last term. He also thrived in a 3-5-2 formation at the City Ground; Similar to the one Edwards has introduced at Vicarage Road since arriving from League Two champions Forest Green.
Vakoun Issouf Bayo and Rey Manaj will battle Davis for a spot in attack. The silky Martins, however, feels like a more natural partner for the Villa loanee; Perhaps performing similar duties to Philip Zinckernagel or Brennan Johnson at Nottingham Forest.
Defensive reinforcements required
According to The Athletic, Watford are also in talks to sign Southampton’s Jack Stephens and Aston Villa’s Korney Hause; Although their pursuit of the latter could be complicated by Diego Carlos’ ruptured Achilles.
The left-footed Hause would replace Samir. It remains to be seen, however, if both arrive or whether it’s case of ‘one or the other’. There is no reason why Stephens cannot slot in alongside Hause; A right-footer next to a leftie. Christian Kabasele, Francisco Sierralta and Craig Cathcart, meanwhile, remain excellent Championship defenders. Ken Sema has thrived at this level before too, while Hassane Kamara is also expected to stay.
Hamza Choudhury also looks an excellent addition.
“I thought he was excellent,” Edwards beamed after the Leicester loanee’s debut in the 1-0 win over Burnley. “Tenacious, his running, his desire; He’s infectious, the way he gets about. He covers the ground so quickly. It was a terrific debut and I was really pleased with him.”
Losing Ismaila Sarr, Joao Pedro and Emmanuel Dennis in one summer is certainly a blow; If not a totally unexpected one. And don’t forget about Cucho Hernandez’s departure to the MLS. But Watford still have the basis of a squad more-than capable of challenging for promotion, even without three forwards who could eventually end up earning them around £100 million in transfer fees.
For Watford, it’s a case of I’m Still Standing.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
