35-cap Peru international Andre Carrillo has signed for Watford from Primeira Liga champions Benfica. According to Portuguese newspaper O Globo, the deal is a one-year loan and carries a €1m fee. The Hornets would then have an option to buy Carillo for €20m. Watford will pay the Peruvian’s entire £70,000 per week salary. He arrived in London on Wednesday evening and signed on Thursday.
Andre Carrillo Signs for Watford
Carrillo is the sixth South American in the Watford first team and joins Heurelho Gomes, Miguel Britos, Mauro Zárate, Roberto Pererya and Richarlison. The 26 year-old will challenge for the right-side attacking spot which is occupied by Nordin Amrabat. Especially noteworthy is that Amrabat has recently been criticised for his lack of crossing quality.
The 2014/15 season was his most effective. Playing under Marco Silva, he scored seven times and assisted 18 goals in 46 appearances for Sporting Lisbon. Last summer, after five years with rivals Sporting, the Peruvian signed with Benfica. Carillo has had limited opportunities at Estadio da Luz, though, having appeared only 20 times for the Eagles.
The Benfiquistas are optimistic about his future in England, as one supporter commented;
“He is a player with huge potential, he has just not fulfilled it yet. Now in EPL with a Portuguese manager might be best fit for him vs quality opposition every week.”
Brighton and Hove Albion visit Vicarage Road this weekend. Watford have collected four points from the opening two games, including a draw with Liverpool. Brighton, however, have suffered two defeats in their opening two games. The new signing could make Saturday’s matchday squad.
Has the Pozzo scouting network unearthed another South American gem? The acquisition is the latest in a series of positive signings. This is shrewd business from Watford owner Gino Pozzo, especially in the inflated summer transfer window.
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