West Brom, Watford compete with overseas duo for 23-year-old striker
West Brom and Watford are among the admirers of EA Guingamp striker Jacques Siwe, according to L’Echo de l’Argoat.
West Brom and Watford will both be eager to make strides up the Championship table in the 2025/26 season, and they both do so under new management. WBA are now led by Ryan Mason, while Paulo Pezzolano has taken charge of Watford.
The Baggies came up just short in the play-off race last campaign and will be looking to break back into the top six, and the Hornets are eager to become a player in the promotion picture after a couple underwhelming years too.
To help them do so, new signings are a must, and it seems the Championship pair could go head-to-head for one target.
According to a report from regional French news outlet L’Echo de l’Argoat, both West Brom and Watford are showing interest in 23-year-old striker Jacques Siwe, who plays for Ligue 2 side EA Guingamp.
They are not alone in eyeing Siwe with Germany’s 1.FC Koln and Vitoria Guimaraes of Portugal interested.
It is not yet known whether Siwe wants the move or whether Guingamp will be receptive to offers from WBA, Watford, or anyone else. However, he only signed a new deal last December and is under contract until 2027.
More on Siwe
West Brom and Watford target Siwe has been with EA Guingamp since the summer of 2022, initially joining up with their B team before quickly progressing to the senior setup.
Prior to joining them, he spent spells with US Creteil, Dijon FCO and FC Annecy.
Since signing for Guingamp, Siwe has managed 16 goals and two assists in 75 outings. Last season was by far the best of his career to date, managing 13 goals and two assists in 33 games across all competitions for the Ligue 2 side while playing solely as a striker.
He is a well-rounded forward and that has allowed him to play in behind the striker previously, but his success has been as the lead man up top over the past year.
Attacking options at West Brom and Watford
West Brom and Watford could both do with a new talisman this summer, but the need for a striker is certainly stronger at Vicarage Road at this moment in time.
Currently, Mamadou Doumbia is the only striker contracted to the Hornets beyond the end of this month. Vakoun Bayo is only on loan from sister club Udinese and will return there this summer.
As for WBA, Mason has the likes of Josh Maja, Daryl Dike, Tammer Bany, Karlan Grant and Devante Cole to pick from. However, of those, exits are likely to pave the way for a new signing.
Championship outfits West Brom and Watford are interested in Guingamp star Jacques Siwe, who is drawing several suitors.
Watford struggled last season in front of the opposition goal; only Vakoun Bayo was able to reach double figures in terms of scoring goals.
The Hornets parted ways with Tom Cleverley after finishing 14th in the Championship table and they have appointed Paulo Pezzolano as their new boss.
Now they are in the market to strengthen several areas, with the forward line being high on their list and they have been linked with several players.
West Brom are also in the same boat as Watford, with a new boss in Ryan Mason; the Baggies are looking to bring in a goalscorer who will be able to help them in their attempt to achieve promotion next season.
In their attempt to find a goalscorer, West Brom and Watford have shifted their focus to the second tier of French football.
