According to the Watford Observer, the Hornets have recommended that the midfielder extend his contract for one more year, with his ambition to play at the highest level met anyway. If they win promotion, Louza will play in the Premier League; if not, the Moroccan international will almost certainly join Pozzo-owned Serie A team Udinese.

We reported last week that Louza had requested to quit the club after deciding he wanted a new challenge, but allegations of a disagreement with head coach Paulo Pezzolano are completely false.

However, insiders say Watford are under no pressure to sell the 2024/25 Player of the Season, who has three years left on his contract, and that the ball is now in his court.

The club is unconcerned with Louza’s decision to proceed with his transfer request, as they are confident in their transfer market position and satisfied with the midfield options they already have.

Imran Louza in training (Alan Cozzi / Watford FC) (Image: Alan Cozzi / Watford FC)Talks betweenGino Pozzo and a group of American entrepreneurs are negotiating the sale of Udinese, which is natural for a deal of this size to take time.

Though the deal may have been completed by next summer, it is known that Udinese would be willing to sign a player of Louza’s calibre regardless of ownership. As takeover talks continue, Pozzo is expected to conduct business as normal.

Louza has 97 appearances for the Hornets since joining in 2021, scoring eight goals.

He spent the second half of the 2023/24 season on loan to Lorient and only started one league game before November in 2024/25, but he was extremely impressive for the rest of the season and won the individual award in May.

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