It’s been another summer of transitions at Vicarage Road, with Watford parting ways with Tom Cleverley and appointing former Real Valladolid coach Paulo Pezzolano as the new head coach. Pezzolano now faces the challenge of rebuilding a team that can once again challenge for promotion in the Championship.
However, it looks like that task might be becoming even more difficult. Reports suggest that Watford is set to lose Chilean centre-back Francisco Sierralta to Ligue 1 side Auxerre for a fee believed to be around £1.5 million.
With a squad already lacking depth, the Hornets may not be done letting players go. Football League World has identified four other potential departures from Vicarage Road this summer.
Giorgi Chakvetadze
The Georgian international is expected to attract significant interest this summer, having already been linked with moves to Premier League sides Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton in the past. Although he hasn’t consistently delivered the goals his talent suggests, Chakvetadze’s technical ability has made him one of the standout players in the Championship this season.
Kwadwo Baah
Former Rochdale winger Kwadwo Baah is another player likely to generate transfer interest. After joining Watford from Rochdale in 2021, Baah spent time on loan at Fortuna Düsseldorf and Burton Albion before finally breaking into the Watford first team this season. Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that Watford rejected interest from Wolfsburg for Baah, and with his performances this season, more clubs are expected to come knocking.
Imran Louza
Moroccan midfielder Imran Louza was the subject of significant interest last summer, particularly from Saint-Étienne, and could attract attention again this year. Having spent part of the 2023/24 season on loan at Lorient in Ligue 1, Louza returned to Watford and made 33 appearances in the Championship. His performances could reignite interest from clubs such as PAOK Salonika and Trabzonspor, who were interested in him last year. It would not be a surprise if Louza moves on after his three years at Vicarage Road.
Ryan Porteous
Scotland international Ryan Porteous may also be on his way out of Watford. The 26-year-old spent the latter part of the 2023/24 season on loan at Preston North End and could make a permanent move away from Vicarage Road. Despite his tough start in Watford’s defense, Porteous has made 82 appearances since his £450,000 move to the club in January 2023 and is under contract until 2027. Whether he remains with Watford or moves on this summer remains to be seen.
As Watford looks to rebuild under Pezzolano, the club may face further departures before the new season kicks off, leaving them with important decisions to make on their squad.
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