Watford poised to announce signing of new left-back.

Watford are about to announce their third signing of the summer. Following the signings of Peterborough United midfielder Hector Kyprianou and former Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Nathan Baxter earlier this week, the Watford Observer knows that a new left-back will be announced shortly. We reported last week that talks with the left-sided defender were advanced, and we understand the defender, who has Championship experience, will sign a permanent deal at Vicarage Road.

Although talks over Caleb Wiley’s probable return on a season-long loan from Chelsea are ongoing, the Hornets sought to bring in another left-sided alternative when Yasser Larouci’s loan period expired. With that transaction now certain to be completed, Watford will have added a third new face to their team by early June, as the club continues to move earlier and faster in the transfer market than at any other time during the Pozzo ownership.

This is believed to be another indication that the owner is now focussed on Watford – we understand the sale of Udinese is edging ever closer – and backs up his comments about challenging for the play-offs and promotion to the Premier League by making new signings as quickly as possible for head coach Paulo Pezzolano to work with.

Gino Pozzo also stated that keeping players at Vicarage Road was critical, and with Wiley and fellow defender James Abankwah, who is expected to make his move from Udinese permanent, set to return next season, it is clear that the Hornets want to keep the squad that finished the 2024/25 season. That includes keeping players such as Player of the Season Imran Louza, Giorgi Chakvetadze, and Kwadwo Baah at Vicarage Road, though any offers received during the summer may put their willingness to stay put to the test. As we revealed last week, Watford has identified the need to bring in a new striker, but this might be the final piece of the transfer puzzle. While a permanent signing is one possibility, the club are also open to bringing in a young Premier League forward if the right option is available.

That may need them to be patient as top-flight teams decide who they are willing to loan out elsewhere, which frequently means such transactions cannot be concluded until the conclusion of the transfer window – not ideal given the Hornets want to get as much business done as possible. Watford will undoubtedly want to prevent a recurrence of last season, when they brought Daniel Jebbison on loan from Bournemouth, only to have the deal cut short when he struggled to make an impact in a Hornets shirt.

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