Watford are preparing for life back in the Championship after a season of Premier League football fans will be looking to leave in the past.
Rob Edwards has the chance to make his mark on his Watford squad in his first window in charge at Vicarage Road.
New signings will be on his radar, but after relegation, there’s no doubt that some standout players could head for the exit door.
Among those linked with summer moves away from the Hornets and back up to the Premier League are star winger Ismaila Sarr and exciting forward Emmanuel Dennis. Claret and Hugh has claimed that both Sarr and Dennis have emerged as targets for West Ham.
It won’t come as a surprise to many to see both these players linked with exits.
Sarr has long been one of Watford’s most promising stars and of their current squad, he probably has the highest ceiling. He has scored 24 times and laid on 18 assists in 91 appearances since joining from Stade Rennais in 2019 in an eye-catching deal.
As for Dennis, who was described as a “very good” and “very intelligent” player by former Watford star Odion Ighalo, his first season saw him impress at Watford. The Nigerian scored 10 goals and laid on six assists in 33 league appearances and is deserving of a move to a higher level.
Another linked with a return to the Premier League is goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann.
The Austrian looks to be closing in on a move to Manchester United, who are in the market for a new backup ‘keeper as Dean Henderson looks set to join Nottingham Forest on loan.
Manchester United are in talks with Watford to sign Daniel Bachmann as 2/3 goalkeeper. Watford will only consider a permanent deal. 🔴 #MUFC
Bachmann, among options for Man United to replace Dean Henderson who’s one step away from joining Nottingham Forest as revealed last week.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 22, 2022
Last but not least, Brazlian forward Joao Pedro has been mentioned as a target for Portuguese pair Porto and Benfica.
The promising 20-year-old struggled last season but looks destined to play at a high level in the future. He has 13 goals and five assists to his name in 74 appearances for Watford and could fetch the Hornets a decent fee.
Player departures look certain for the Hornets, but Edwards’ focus will be on ensuring he can replace those who do move onto pastures new.
