West Brom, Watford compete with overseas duo for 23-year-old striker Jacques Siwe

West Brom, Watford compete with overseas duo for 23-year-old striker Jacques Siwe

 

West Bromwich Albion and Watford have both set their sights on bolstering their attacking options ahead of the 2025/26 Championship campaign, with reports from L’Echo de l’Argoat claiming that EA Guingamp striker Jacques Siwe is drawing interest from the two English clubs—alongside competition from abroad.

 

Siwe, 23, has emerged as a rising talent in France’s Ligue 2 following a breakout season with Guingamp. The former Auxerre forward notched 13 goals and added 5 assists in all competitions last season, catching the eye of several clubs across Europe with his blend of pace, physicality, and sharp movement in and around the penalty box. A move away from France now appears increasingly likely, with West Brom and Watford reportedly monitoring his situation closely.

 

Both Championship clubs are undergoing new eras under fresh leadership. West Brom recently appointed Ryan Mason as manager, tasking the former Tottenham interim boss with guiding the Baggies back into the top six after narrowly missing out on the play-offs last season. Mason is said to be keen on adding energy and goals to his forward line, with the club lacking consistency up front in their 2024/25 campaign.

 

Watford, too, have undergone managerial change, hiring Paulo Pezzolano in an effort to bring fresh direction after a series of disappointing mid-table finishes. The Hornets have made no secret of their ambition to challenge for promotion and see the addition of a dynamic, young striker as central to that plan.

 

However, West Brom and Watford will face stiff competition. Two unnamed overseas clubs are also understood to be in the mix for Siwe’s signature, making the race for the Guingamp forward a tightly contested one. While the French outfit are not actively pushing for a sale, they are believed to be open to offers in the region of €4 million (£3.4m), which could prove a stumbling block for either English side depending on their summer budgets.

 

Siwe’s profile would represent a departure from the types of forwards both clubs have relied upon in recent years. At West Brom, Brandon Thomas-Asante has often led the line but needs more support, while Watford struggled for goals from their central strikers, rotating options without much return. Siwe’s potential and recent form make him a smart long-term investment, but one that will come with some risk, given he is yet to prove himself outside France’s second tier.

 

The summer transfer window remains in its early stages, but this pursuit could gather pace quickly. With both clubs eager to do business early and lay the groundwork for promotion pushes, Siwe may find himself at the heart of an Anglo-European bidding battle in the weeks ahead.

 

Whether it’s Mason’s West Brom or Pezzolano’s Watford that win the race—or one of the mystery overseas suitors—Siwe looks set to make headlines this summer.

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