Watford will want to move up the Championship table next season under new manager Paulo Pezzolano, after finishing 14th this season.
The team has already begun their business this transfer window, signing former Peterborough United captain Hector Kyprianou for free.
Football League World has disclosed that Ipswich Town are interested in Watford midfielder Tom Dele-Bashiru, who the Hornets value at £8 million, following their relegation from the Premier League.
Justin Beattie, FLW’s Watford fan commentator, believes the club will be fortunate to collect such a high amount for the midfielder this summer. Verdict issued over Ipswich’s Tom Dele-Bashiru interest.
“Tom Dele-Bashiru is one of those players that hasn’t really had long consecutive runs in the team,” Justin told me. “He has had several injuries since joining us. I’m shocked Ipswich have expressed interest in him.
| Dele-Bashiru’s 24/25 Championship stats – per FotMob | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appearances | Goals | Pass accuracy | Tackles won | Avg. match rating |
| 27 | 4 | 91.4% | ||
“I’m not convinced if £8 million is the correct valuation. That might be a little too high. Maybe it’s Watford’s attempt to keep other clubs away from Dele-Bashiru, or to squeeze every penny out of him.
“But I think I’d be surprised to see him go to Ipswich, but maybe it is time he moved on, as perhaps we have seen the best of him whilst he’s been fit to play for us over the past few seasons.”
Tom Dele-Bashiru may fund a big summer for Watford.
Watford, who were Premier League regulars and FA Cup finalists six years ago, would be bitterly disappointed with their present Championship situation.
Vicarage Road hasn’t hosted a top-flight fixture in three years, and the longer this streak continues, the more the Hornets risk becoming simply another steady second-tier team.
Ipswich Town’s midfield exodus has seen the departure of Massimo Luongo, Kalvin Phillips, Jens-Lys Cajuste, and Julio Enciso, leaving the Tractor Boys eager for replacements.
Watford should take advantage of this and charge a parachute payment premium for their asset.
Although losing Dele-Bashiru would be a setback for the Hornets, an additional £8 million in the transfer budget may be used to improve many areas of the squad.
As a result, Pezzolano and his teammates may have to endure some short-term pain in order to reap long-term benefits later in the season.
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