Three Reasons Why This £3.3m Championship Ace Could Become Watford’s ‘Next Richarlison’

Three Reasons Why Pontus Dahlberg Could Become Watford’s ‘Next Richarlison’

According to reports from the Daily Mail, Watford are set to sign promising young goalkeeper Pontus Dahlberg from Gothenburg. The 18-year old is widely regarded as one of the best young stoppers across Europe and as per the latest news, the Hornets are close to securing a £3.3million deal for him when the January transfer window opens.  

Watford have enough goalkeeping options in the form of veteran Heurelho Gomes as the first-choice, with loanee Orestis Karnezis and Daniel Bachmann being the back-up. However, the signing of Dahlberg will be a great addition to the club and here are three reasons why; 

Very Highly-Rated

Dahlberg, at such a young age, has been tipped for very big things already. The 18-year old is already a full-fledged first team member at Gothenburg and has been performing very well for the Sweden U-21 international side as well.  

It is not without reason that a number of top clubs have been monitoring the lanky Swede. Tottenham Hotspur were heavily linked with a move earlier this summer, while their North London rivals Arsenal too have been monitoring the teenager for quite some time now, along with Everton. And there have been admiring glances towards the player from Serie A high-flyers Napoli too.  

When so many top clubs are lining up for a move, it should be clear that the player is quite special and if Watford clinch the deal, they will reap the benefits for a long time. 

Could Turn Out to Be the Next ‘Richarlison’

When Watford signed a certain Richarlison this summer, not many fans were aware of the player and what he would be offering. But, within a few months of his move, the Brazilian has turned into the toast of the town with some scintillating displays against the best of the teams, attracting interest from the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.  

Similarly, Dahlberg might not be the biggest star, but given the Swedish youth international’s early promise and signs of potential that he has shown, he has what it takes to make a similar sort of impact in the first-team if Watford do end up signing him.  

Long-Term Heir for Gomes

Watford may be well-stocked in the goalkeeping department for now, but they will be aware of the fact that current No.1 Gomes isn’t getting any younger. The Brazilian custodian will turn 37 in a couple of months and will soon need to be replaced between the sticks, in a couple of years’ time.

Given that Karnezis is on loan at the club and has hardly played, it is unlikely that he will be staying beyond the current campaign, they will need a replacement for Gomes if and when he decides to call it quits. 

This is where Dahlberg’s signature will turn out to be great business for the Hornets. Already heralded as one of the best young goalies, he will only improve from here on and will be ready to take over the responsibilities of the No.1 when Gomes’ time at the club will be over.