Three free agents Watford must consider signing this summer
Watford have brought in a number of fresh faces to bolster the squad ahead of the new campaign. Javi Gracia must prepare well for their opening day clash against Brighton and Hove Albion. The likes of Gerard Deulofeu, Ken Sema, Marc Navarro and Adam Masina have been added to the squad this summer.
The Hornets were not one of the sturdiest teams last season and endured a disappointing campaign. Gracia must make amends this time out. The manager is known for his tactical brilliance and team management, which should result in better displays on the field.
The Hornets have sold Richarlison to Everton for a fee of around £40million and his absence could prove to be costly.
With that in mind, there are a host of exceptional talents that are currently without a club and Watford must consider making a move.
Here, we take a look at three options that would suit them.
Claudio Yacob
The Hornets were leaking goals from all corners last season and they must sign a defensive midfielder. Yacob spent more than 6 years with West Bromwich Albion, establishing himself as a key member of the squad.
He is a defensive powerhouse who possesses an impressive work rate on and off the ball. Yacob’s distributions skills from the middle of the park are also quite impeccable. The midfielder averaged a pass success rate of 83.2% in the Premier League last season. He is also a commanding presence in the air, often winning a number of headers and posing a huge threat from set-pieces.
Yaya Toure
The Ivorian icon has finally left the Etihad and he must look for a new adventure. To that end, moving to Watford would certainly be a unique experience for Toure. After all, he is one of the most skilled midfielders in the Premier League. In his time with Manchester City, he was seen as a fierce footballer who was a force to reckon with.
Toure is capable of playing both offensive and defensive roles which will provide Gracia with a number of options in the midfield. He is also an accurate passer of the ball and can single-handedly run the show. Hence, the Ivorian would be a massive signing for the Hornets.
Jesus Gamez
The right-back has plied his trade with clubs like Atletico Madrid and Malaga before joining Newcastle United. He is a strong, agile and committed defender who is rarely prone to making sloppy mistakes.
Read more: Watford won’t regret losing Richarlison if they swoop on £26m-rated Liverpool attacker
Gamez also poses a huge threat to the opposition defenders, often making marauding runs down the right flank before whipping crosses into the box. Watford lack the presence of a defender like the former Atletico man. He would considerably strengthen their fragile backline that conceded goals for fun last season.