Watford may be hoping to add more quality to their squad before the end of the summer transfer window.
The Hornets have been able to strengthen their squad since the end of last season, but there may be some more work to do in the transfer market in the coming weeks.
Manager Tom Cleverley has worked with some of the club’s youngsters in the past and could be in a good position to judge which of these players can be promoted to the first team.
But the right balance of youth and experience will be needed if they are to be a real force during the 2024/25 campaign.
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Summer signings Jonathan Bond, Rocco Vata, Moussa Sissoko, Antonio Tikvic and Yasser Larouci will all be hoping to contribute to the Hornets’ cause during the upcoming season – especially the latter who will be keen to make a good impression following a fairly poor loan spell at Sheffield United last term.
Not spending too much so far this window, it would be difficult to see them splashing the cash in the coming weeks, even with the sale of Ismael Kone in mind.
With this, we have taken a look at two free transfers that the Hornets could look to get over the line.
Ovie Ejaria
Ovie Ejaria
Ovie Ejaria barely featured for Reading during the latter stages of his time there – and that was frustrating for many fans – considering how much of a talent he can be when he’s at the top of his game.
The ex-Liverpool man didn’t look out of place when the Berkshire side were competing at the top end of the Championship during the 2020/21 campaign and if he can show that form again, he could be a real asset for the Hornets.
Ejaria isn’t the quickest player and he does have his faults, but his trickery and technical ability could be a major weapon for Cleverley’s side to have if he makes the move to Vicarage Road.
In a potential 3-4-3 system, Ejaria could play in a central advanced midfield role and drift out wide when required, with his area one that the Hornets should look to strengthen, especially if Yaser Asprilla leaves before the summer window closes.
At 26, the player should still have plenty to give and having recently had a trial with Oxford United, he could be fit enough to play a part for the Hornets during the early stages of the season.
Signing him would be a risk, but he’s worth a gamble if a short-term deal is offered.
Aaron Connolly
Aaron Connolly Hull City
It’s slightly surprising that Aaron Connolly wasn’t handed a new contract by Hull City this summer, having scored at a fairly impressive rate for the Tigers during the 2023/24 season.
Aaron Connolly’s 2023/24 campaign at Hull City
(All competitions)
Appearances
With his goalscoring ability in mind, the Hornets could do a lot worse than offer Connolly a one or two-year deal to see if he can kick on in Hertfordshire.
Cleverley already has some striker options at his disposal, but more quality in this area would be ideal.
Mamadou Doumbia and Jorge Hurtado may not be able to contribute a lot to the cause yet, so having Connolly challenge the likes of Mileta Rajovic and Vakoun Bayo for a starting spot could end up being a game-changer.
Able to be a real threat on the break and as a player who can play up front on his own, he could be a real asset for the Hornets if they sign him.
