While Watford FC decided not to make any last minute signings at the end of the January transfer window, they did have busy periods in the market, and Roy Hodgson has made his thoughts clear on his new squad.
It was a far from uneventful month for the club. They recruited a number of notable stars in key areas.
Here’s a brief overview of Watford’s new players, along with what new head coach Roy Hodgson has said about his squad.
Their first signing was left-back Hassane Kamara, who was a regular starter for Nice last season.
Formerly a winger, Kamara switched to a more defensive role during his time at Stade de Reims and has become one of the stand-out names in his position, making up part of the Ligue 1 Team of the Season in 2019/20.
The 27-year-old feels his time further forward still reflects in his style of play, but wants to focus on his defensive work primarily.
Their next signing was fellow defender, Samir, who joined from Udinese for just £5million.
Having been a regular starter at Flamengo, Brazilian Samir moved to Europe, joining Udinese in January 2016.
Samir featured 147 times in all competitions for I Bianconeri in his three-year spell at the Stadio Friuli, and he made 17 league appearances this campaign to help them to their current position of 14th in Serie A.
Highly rated midfielder Edo Kayembe signed a four-and-a-half-year contract shortly after. An energetic, left-footed central operator, DR Congo international Kayembe joined the Golden Boys after plying his trade in the Belgian top flight for five years.
Watford’s fourth signing was forward Samuel Kalu from Bordeaux. The Nigerian international winger joined following three-and-a-half successful years in France’s top tier, where he scored nine goals.
Capable of playing on either flank, Kalu is a versatile option in a competitive squad, typically operating on the right wing.
Of course, Watford’s biggest signing was former England coach Roy Hodgson on a six-month deal, following the abrupt departure of Claudio Ranieri.
Hodgson has had only a week to watch the team train, so it was always going to be difficult for him and his backroom staff to assess whether any more recruitments would be needed before the end of the window.
Hornets fans will be pleased to hear that Hodgson has been impressed with the squad’s enthusiasm and work ethic so far, and he’s said there’s clear talent in the team.
The 74-year-old also said the club has a long-term plan in place which requires them to stay up this season.
The hornets are currently 19th in the league, but with a couple of games in hand on Norwich in 17th, who are just a couple of points ahead of them.
Photo credit: Watford FC.
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