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Forget it Pearson – Watford splashing £8.5m on this Serie A star would be a blunder

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Why Watford should avoid signing Napoli left-back Faouzi Ghoulam

According to SportItalia (h/t The Daily Mail), Watford have asked Napoli about the availability of defender Faouzi Ghoulam.

Faouzi Ghoulam, 28, signed for Napoli back in 2014 from Saint-Etienne and has gone on to play 179 times for the Italian outfit. The left-back has been out with a muscle injury since October and has yet to appear in Serie A under Gennaro Gattuso, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti at the Stadio San Paolo in December.

Watford are willing to pay £8.5m for the defender’s services but Napoli are asking for more, the report adds. (h/t The Daily Mail)

Faouzi Ghoulam applauds the Napoli fans. (Getty Images)
Faouzi Ghoulam applauds the Napoli fans. (Getty Images)

The Hornets have enjoyed an upturn in fortunes since Nigel Pearson took over, winning 14 points from a possible 24. Despite their resurgence, they still remain in the relegation zone and suffered a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa on Tuesday.

The Hornets have conceded 36 goals in 24 games so far this season. They have looked vulnerable at the back throughout the campaign, with none of the defenders performing consistently.

Pearson also has problems in the left-back area, as Jose Holebas, 35, isn’t getting any younger and Adam Masina is yet to convince. Having said that, is Faouzi Ghoulam an answer to Watford’s left-back problems? Ghoulam has endured knee injury problems since the 2017/18 campaign.

In the last two-and-a-half seasons in Serie A, the Algerian has managed only 32 appearances. In fact, he has played only five games for Napoli so far this term and is currently out with a muscle problem.

Watford players look dejected after their 8-0 defeat in the Premier League match between Manchester City and Watford FC at Etihad Stadium. (Getty Images)
Watford players look dejected after their 8-0 defeat in the Premier League match between Manchester City and Watford FC at Etihad Stadium. (Getty Images)

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Recurrent injury problems have ruined Ghoulam’s progress in recent years, and as things stand, he is out of favour under Gattuso. With that in mind, however, Watford’s interest in the Napoli left-back doesn’t strike the right chords.

Verdict

Due to the Algeria international’s injury issues and loss in form, he’ll be a massive risk for Watford, especially in the highly-competitive atmosphere of the Premier League.

Taking into consideration the Napoli defender’s form and injury record, Watford would be better off dropping their interest in Ghoulam.