As the season approaches,\u00a0there is uncertainty as to which Watford target might start the season in goal.<\/p>\n
The Watford Observer <\/em>reported in June that new\u00a0head coach Marco Silva\u2019s priority was to recruit a new starting goalkeeper<\/a>. Juventus\u2019\u00a0Neto was seemingly lined up. However, the move hit a buffer as the player has expressed his desire to sign for Valencia<\/a>. Other candidates have been cited, although none have come close to signing, at this stage.<\/p>\n Current number one Heurelho Gomes, has 33 clean\u00a0sheets in 122\u00a0games for the Golden Boys.\u00a0However, Gomes only managed to keep seven clean sheets last term. The 11-cap Brazilian joined from Tottenham Hotspur in 2014. The experienced stopper has 12 months remaining on his Watford contract.<\/p>\n Sporting Director Luke Dowling opted against re-signing 3rd<\/sup> choice goalkeeper Rene Gilmartin, following an evaluation of his goalkeeping corps. Dowling will benefit from the fabled Pozzo scouting network as he bids to reinvigorate his goalkeeping unit. The established Pozzo scouting network is recognized as one of the best in world football.<\/p>\n Dowling, alongside Technical Director Filippo Giraldi and CEO Scott Duxbury sought to add reinforcements in January. Enquiries for Tim Krul and Asmir Begovic were rebuffed. The habitually reliable Gomes suffered injuries which impacted two league games last season. The former PSV-man was substituted early in the 6-1 defeat to Liverpool in November.\u00a0Gomes was substituted again in the stalemate with Middlesbrough, in January.<\/p>\n Watford recently announced the signing of Austrian goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann, on a 3 year deal. The 22-year-old, who was recently released from Stoke, failed to make a first team appearance in his 6 year stint in Staffordshire. The youngster spent time on loan with Wrexham, Ross County and Bury.<\/p>\n Have the Pozzo\u2019s unearthed another rough diamond? Or will the Austrian endure another frustrating spell?<\/p>\n Bachmann will count towards the home-grown quota. He\u00a0has 16 caps for Austria Under-21\u2019s<\/a> and has appeared in the senior Austria squad on the last 2 international breaks. Bachmann\u2019s most recent involvement was for Bury in January 2016<\/a>. The 6ft 3in stopper is keen to develop his career, following a\u00a0frustrating time\u00a0at Stoke.<\/p>\n 1\/2. I’m leaving Stoke City after 6 years. I’ve had a great time and learned a lot. Unfortunately I’ve never really been given a chance.<\/p>\n \u2014 Daniel Bachmann (@DBachmann1) May 26, 2017<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nBuilding Towards the Future?<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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