Watford recently confirmed that Derek Agyakwa returned to England following his loan spell with Como. The initial deal saw Agyakwa head to the Serie C side for the entire season, but the clubs mutually agreed the loan was not beneficial.
Derek Agyakwa Returns to Watford
His Time With Como
Derek Agyakwa started life in Italy on the right foot, playing the full 90 minutes in the club’s 3-2 victory over Lucchese. However, he spent the following two matches on the bench.
A solid substitute cameo against the Juventus U23 squad earned Agyakwa a start against Pro Vercelli. The following two matches, Como opted for a more experienced back-line, showing Agyakwa to the bench once more.
The second-placed team in the Italian third tier gave Agyakwa another chance against Olbia in November. The loanee got sent off in the 45th minute.
Ever since, Como have gone without defeat, so Agyakwa’s path back into the starting eleven shut. Agyakwa did not necessarily underperform – rather, his lack of experience in Italian football ultimately made him fall down the pecking order.
With Agyakwa consistently warming the bench, all parties knew him staying with Como was not what was best.
Derek Agyakwa Pre-Loan Career
The 19-year-old spent his early playing days in his home nation of the Netherlands. After spending time with FC Amsterdam, Agyakwa made the move to play for the FC Twente youth ranks. After impressing Watford‘s scouts, the center-back started training with the Hornets in the January of 2020.
Agyakwa proved his value in training, and as a result, he earned his Watford senior debut in a Carabao Cup tie against Oxford. He played the first 45 minutes before subbing out for Christian Kabasele.
Agyakwa then played the full 90 minutes of the following Carabao Cup tie against Newport County, which Watford lost 3-1. Nonetheless, his performances in the cup were enough to find a suitor for a loan move.
Potentially Another Loan Move in the Works
Although Agyakwa picked up some important first-team minutes, he is unlikely to get more senior squad playing-time this campaign at Vicarage Road. Watford might wait until the end of January before deciding on his future, considering the Hornets do have some injury-induced depth-shortages in the center-back department.
The club knows what is best for Agyakwa is receiving as many senior minutes as possible, regardless of the league. Considering Agyakwa’s lack of success abroad, do not be surprised to see Watford calling teams lower down in the English football pyramid.
But perhaps he will stay and be an ever-present in Watford’s U23 squad and train with the Hornets’ first team. Regardless, Agyakwa is still super young, and one underwhelming loan move is not indicative of his potential.
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