40-year-old former Watford midfielder set for return in key role.

According to Italian reporter Orazio Accomando, Watford is nearing an agreement to rehire former midfielder Valon Behrami as sporting director.

Watford aim to return to the top of the Championship table during the upcoming summer season.

The Hornets controversially parted ways with Tom Cleverley following the end of the 2024/25 season. The former midfielder became a popular figure among fans, and many praised him for his work in his first managerial role despite receiving little support from the heavily criticised board and ownership.

Paulo Pezzolano has taken over at Vicarage Road, and it appears that a new off-field figure is being sought to assist him as well.

According to Italian reporter Orazio Accomando of X, Watford is on the verge of appointing ex-midfielder Valon Behrami as their new sporting director.

The Hornets are interested in the 40-year-old, who retired in 2022. Behrami has not held any official positions since retiring, but it appears he will not play an influential role in the new chapter at Vicarage Road.

Behrami will likely serve as a liaison between Watford’s hierarchy and management, alongside technical director Gian Luca Nani, who holds a similar role at sister club Udinese.

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Back at Watford.

Behrami was a well-travelled player throughout his career, beginning in his native Switzerland and then moving on to Italy to play for Genoa and Lazio.

After that, he spent three years in England with West Ham from 2008 to 2011, before returning to Italy. Behrami previously played for Fiorentina, Napoli, and Hamburg before signing with Watford in 2015.

The 83-cap Swiss international spent two years at Vicarage Road, playing 49 times for the Hornets before being sold.

Behrami went on to play for Udinese, FC Sion, Genoa, and Brescia before retiring in June 2022.

 

A big task ahead.

Watford’s new manager Pezzolano, potential sporting director Behrami, and the club’s hierarchy face significant challenges.

The relationship between ownership and fans has deteriorated in recent years, and Cleverley’s dismissal was a clear indication of the two sides’ disconnect.

It means Pezzolano is off to an unsteady start, as fans will already have high expectations given that he has replaced the popular Cleverley. Behrami and co will be eager to help the Uruguayan have a successful stay at Vicarage Road, but the real talk will take place on the pitch when the new season begins later this year.

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