Despite not being amongst the Premier League’s ‘big boys’, Watford’s scouting network is wide and amongst the best in the country. Over the past few years, the Pozzo family have made tens of millions of pounds via signing young players from South America, developing their talent either on loan or at Vicarage Road, before selling them to bigger clubs. The sales of Richarlison, Pervis Estupinan, and Luis Suarez, just to name a few of such transfers, have raked in over £50 million in the past few seasons for the Hornets. Cucho Hernandez and Joao Pedro are examples of players who were initially signed long before they made their Watford debuts, but they are currently pivotal, valuable parts of the squad. Now, Watford have recently signed Yaser Asprilla, a prodigiously talented youngster who is signed with an eye for the future and the present.
Yaser Asprilla: Watford’s Latest Talent
Yaser Asprilla England Move Reported Months Ago But Now Made Official
Although the move was initially reported back in August by numerous sources, Envigado FC have confirmed the transfer of the talented 18-year-old attacker to Watford, who is set to spend the rest of the season on loan at his break-through club.
The versatile forward, who thrives as an attacking-midfielder, right-winger, left-winger, and centre-forward, has scored five times for the Colombian top-flight team in just 22 matches. His dribbling and vision talents at such a young age have caught the eye of many, including the Colombia senior international team. He made his senior international debut on January 16, 2022, playing 47 minutes in a 2-1 friendly victory over Honduras.
Comparisons to James Rodriguez Already Drawn
As suggested in August by multiple sources, the fee for the transfer is in the range of £2.5 million. Coaches who have worked closely with Asprilla believe that such a fee is a bargain considering his talents and potential.
The most notable youth product to come from Envigado FC is James Rodriguez, and members of the coaching staff through Envigado’s youth and senior ranks believe Asprilla has what it takes to reach the same level. Both Asprilla and Rodriguez grew up well-adept to the same positions and possessed the same strengths.
Whether Watford are to immediately place him into the Premier League relegation battle or will look to loan him out to further his development and increase his transfer value remains to be seen. Either way, the Hornets have secured themselves a talented youngster who has already shown he has what it takes to play at a top-level.
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