Player that have been on Watford FC’s transfer radar as they finally signed from AFC Bournemouth
Many areas need to be strengthened this summer – and we have selected five players who could enhance Tom Cleverley’s team.
Tom Cleverley will be keen to put his stamp on Watford’s first team after being appointed permanent boss.
The former Manchester United midfielder knows better than anyone else that the managerial turnover rate at Vicarage Road is very high – and this is why he will need to make a positive impact next term to give himself the best chance of retaining his job.
This is his first senior managerial role and with this in mind, he may be keen to add some experienced players to the dressing room to help him.
He could also be keen to use his contacts at other clubs to try and get some deals over the line.
Ahead of the upcoming window, we take a look at five players the Hornets could realistically sign.
Rodak’s situation at Craven Cottage is a complicated one, because Fulham have the option to extend his contract by a further 12 months.
However, with the player failing to win much game time this season, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Cottagers opt against extending his deal and search for an alternative instead. They may do that for the player’s sake, as well as their own.
Daniel Bachmann and Ben Hamer are available as existing options at Vicarage Road, but it remains to be seen whether the latter will remain at the club beyond the summer.
As well as this, Rodak has Championship promotion-winning experience and could be a valuable player because of this, with many Hornets fans believing they need an upgrade in the goalkeeper department
Peterborough United left-back Burrows is an exceptional player and like Rodak, his contract comes to an end this summer, with his club having the option to extend his deal by a further year.
This is a lifeline for Posh, who won’t want to lose the player for free.
If they stay in League One, vultures could circle for the young left-sided player, who has registered more than 25 goal contributions (goals and assists combined) during the 2023/24 campaign.
If Cleverley is keen to play with wing-backs, Burrows could be an excellent option to have on the left-hand side and it’s likely that he would be an upgrade on Jamal Lewis, certainly in the final third anyway.
The Hornets will be keen to have as much firepower in their squad as possible – and Burrows could provide that from out wide – in the potential absence of wingers.
Not everything has gone the young forward’s way at St Andrew’s, but he took to the second tier like a duck to water and he could be a very good player to have at this level next season, having had the experience of playing in the second tier now.
