The transfer rumours are coming thick and fast. Watford recently completed the signing of Ashley Fletcher from Middlesbrough. However, it is expected they want to bring in another striker to truly compete for the starting role, with Fletcher set to start off as a squad-depth player. From Rafael Santos Borre to Ike Ugbo, the Hornets have been linked with many forwards. And now, Daryl Dike has been added to that list.
Watford In the Race for Orlando City’s Daryl Dike
Hornets Join Host of Clubs Interested in Daryl Dike
Following a prolific short-term loan with Barnsley, Dike has garnered plenty of top-flight interest. According to Adam Leventhal of The Athletic, the Hornets now have Dike on their radar.
Dike is owned by Orlando City SC of the Major League Soccer after the confirmation Dike’s Barnsley loan would not be extended.
The American’s Rapid Rise
Dike’s career path thus far is unique to that of any player currently playing in top European leagues. From 2018 to 2020, Dike went to the University of Virginia. For the collegiate program, he scored ten goals and added eight assists in 2019, leading to Orlando City drafting him with the fifth pick in the MLS SuperDraft.
The strong centre-forward – who is an extremely talented finisher – scored eight goals and supplied three assists in his 22-appearance MLS debut season. He earned a loan to Barnsley in the January transfer window where he hit the ground running with ease. In 22 appearances in England, Dike scored nine times. His average of one goal every 160 minutes is impressive. It is his over-performing of his expected goals statistic by nearly four goals which is even more noteworthy.
Watford do not have a clear path to his signature as of now. Firstly, Orlando City will demand a hefty fee for his services, with early indications suggesting the American side want £14 million for his signature. Secondly, even if the asking price is negotiable, many other clubs will be eager to secure the 21-year-old’s signature too.
Noting how he scored his first goal for the United States international team recently, his role in their Gold Cup journey could further increase his asking price. Still, the Hornets will – and should – continue to monitor his situation.
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