Sons of Smith and Shevchenko among 12 new Watford pros.
Watford has announced that 12 academy players have been awarded professional contracts for the 2025/26 season.
Max Smith, the son of former Hornet Tommy, and Kristian Shevchenko, whose father is Ukrainian legend Andriy, are among the players who have signed contracts. Amar Sanghrajka, who was twice named to the first team bench in the Championship last season, has also secured a contract.
Watford’s academy has seen increased success since former midfielder Richard Johnson took over as director in May 2021. Jimmy Gilligan, the former head of technical development, played an important role and was recently replaced by Micah Hyde, another former first-team favourite.
Several of the new professionals contributed to the Hornets’ FA Youth Cup semi-final appearance last season, while others helped the Under-18s reach the Professional Development League play-off final.
Sanghrajka, who appeared in a pre-season friendly against AFC Wimbledon last weekend, has signed for two years with the option for a third.
Amar Sanghrajka has received a professional contract (Image: Alan Cozzi/Watford FC). The box-to-box midfielder was an important part of the team that reached the Youth Cup semi-finals.
Smith was also heavily involved in that team, with the versatile forward signing a contract of the same length. Shevchenko, a forward who scored 11 goals and assisted on another eight last season, has signed for one year with the option for a second.
Hayden Barrett, a diminutive midfielder best known for his technical ability, will also join the club. Marats Galajevs, an attacking midfielder with exceptional dribbling abilities, has signed a two-year contract with the option for a third.
Tom Georgiou, captain of the FA Youth Cup semi-finalists, is a ball-playing centre-back who could see this deal extended for three years. Conrad Hunt, an athletic and hard-working fullback, joins him on a one-and-one contract.
Goalkeeper Sam Morris was another standout performer during the Youth Cup run, making several saves and demonstrating confidence in possession.
Jonathan Lawson in action last season (Photo: Neale Blackburn). Jonathan Lawson joined Watford in 2023, and the powerful striker has now signed a one-year contract with an option for another season.
Kash Odiase, a versatile forward known for his power and speed, is given an extra year. Ollie Stephenson, a pacy right-back who played a significant role for the Under-18s, has signed a 2+1 contract.
Raul Vancea, who signed the same contract, is a left-back who likes to get forward and has represented Romania at the youth level.
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