The January transfer window is on the cusp of shutting. For the Watford hierarchy, the phone calls will be non-stop until the 23:00 deadline arrives. With a clash against Queens Park Rangers kicking off at 19:45, time is of the essence to get any last-hour Watford transfer deals over the line.
Watford Transfer Update
Glenn Murray Finally Sees Loan Terminated
The termination of Glenn Murray’s loan does not come as a surprise. Murray joined Watford in the summer in anticipation of a Troy Deeney departure. Both are strikers known for their hold-up play and aerial ability rather than pace and agility. However, no Deeney departure occurred. Between Deeney, Andre Gray, Stipe Perica, and Joao Pedro, Murray did not have a path to consistent first-team football.
He only featured six times for Watford in all competitions, failing to hit the back of the net. His last minute for the club came in a draw to Wycombe Wanderers at the end of October. He has trained alone for the past couple of months. He has now joined up with recently-departed-from-Watford James Garner at Nottingham Forest.
Domingos Quina Sent to Europa League Club on Loan
In a rather surprising move, Watford decided to send Domingos Quina to Granada for the remainder of the season.
Quina has not played for Watford since he picked up a hamstring injury in the middle of December. In 14 appearances this season, he has scored once. Even though Watford highly rate him, minutes in Xisco Munoz’s 4-4-2 system appear few and far between, considering he is best utilized as a central-attacking-midfielder. The recent arrival of Dan Gosling further stripped Quina of potential minutes.
Djibril Toure Sent on Loan ro Charleroi SC
Djibril Toure, who signed in the summer (but could not technically become a Watford player until January 1st), is to spend the rest of the season on loan with the Belgian first-tier club. The 18-year-old can play both as a forward and as a winger. The youngster, who joined from Guinean side Ceffomig FC, has a promising future considering the stature of this loan despite his lack of first-team experience.
The recent arrival of Maurizio Pochettino and the announcement of Mitchel Bergkamp (both sons of well-known fathers) influenced the loan move. Toure would be forced to split time in Watford’s youth ranks, as both Bergkamp and Pochettino are attacking players. The Hornets want Toure getting as many minutes as possible.
Isaac Success Attracts Interest
Getafe, Alaves, Huddersfield Town, and Derby County are all vying Isaac Success‘ signature, according to Ryan Gray of the Watford Observer. The report includes how his representatives are not denying the chance of a potential move away.
Success has not played in the past year for Watford. His time in England has been battered by injuries. As he is almost back to full fitness, a loan could be seen as the best way for him to rediscover the form he had when Watford initially broke their transfer record for him nearly five years ago.
Chalobah Out, Longstaff in Stalling
Leicester City‘s interest in Nathaniel Chalobah is known. The Hornets are willing to let Chalobah depart, but only if they can get a replacement. Watford’s ideal replacement is Newcastle‘s Matty Longstaff. But, the Magpies are unwilling to let Longstaff go unless they can get a replacement.
Adam Leventhal of The Athletic suggests there is too limited time for a triangular-transfer between the three clubs to occur. Fortunately, it is not too long until fans will have to find out.
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