Stay or Go? Deciding Which Players Watford Should Keep & Offload This Summer

30 July 2020 06:36

The future of the current Watford squad is uncertain after relegation from the Premier League was confirmed following a 3-2 defeat at Arsenal on the final day.


Here's an insight into the squad at Vicarage Road, as to who should stay on the books and who should leave in the upcoming transfer window.



1. Goalkeepers

Foster has been Watford's first choice goalkeeper this season

Ben Foster (STAY) - With two years remaining on his current deal, Watford should look to keep the 37-year-old as a key dressing room figure in the Championship.

Heurelho Gomes (GO) - Gomes, who has been with Watford since 2014, sees his contract expire at the end of July.

Daniel Bachmann (STAY) - The Austrian goalkeeper could provide adequate support to Foster in the Championship next season.

Pontus Dahlberg (GO on loan) - After spending the 2019/20 season on loan at FC Emmen, the 21-year-old should spend another season away from Vicarage Road to gain more experience.



2. Full Backs

Masina is the only recognised left-back in Watford's squad

Adam Masina (STAY) - It is vital Masina remains at Vicarage Road, with more depth required in the left back position.

Jose Holebas (GO) - The Greek left back has been given permission to leave the club, where he made 114 appearances over five years.

Kiko Femenia (GO) - Reports suggest a move to Valencia could be on the cards, something Watford may not be able to refuse with just one year left on the Spaniard's contract.

Daryl Janmaat (STAY) - The Dutch right back is a proven player with international experience, and still has two years left on his current deal.

Dimitri Foulquier (GO) - A transfer has already been agreed for the 27-year-old right-back. He will join Granada for a fee of £1.8m.

Marc Navarro (STAY) - After a year-long loan spell with Leganes in Spain, Navarro will return to Watford and could be a useful squad player next season.



3. Centre-backs

Kabasele has just one year remaining on his contract

Christian Kabasele (STAY) - The Belgian has been key to Watford's defence - they've been considerably worse without him.

Craig Dawson (STAY) - Watford signed Dawson last summer and, with three years remaining on his deal, he could be a key member of the squad for life in the Championship.

Craig Cathcart (STAY) - Like Dawson, Cathcart also has three years remaining on his deal, making a move away from the club unlikely.

Adrian Mariappa (GO) - The 33-year-old's contract with the Hornets expires at the end of July, and will leave the club on a free transfer.



4. Midfielders

Capoue is expected to remain at the club

Etienne Capoue (STAY) - After spending five years at the club with two years remaining on his contract, Capoue should still be at the heart of the Watford midfield next season.

Nathaniel Chalobah (STAY) - The 25-year-old made 22 Premier League appearances for the Hornets this season. Staying with the club while in the Championship can help Chalobah develop.

Abdoulaye Doucoure (GO) - The powerful midfielder has impressed since joining Watford, but with three years still on his contract the club may be able to cash in on the midfielder.

Will Hughes (STAY) - The midfielder registered one goal and one assist this season in the league, and should look to improve on those numbers next term.

Tom Cleverley (STAY) - The midfielder can provide invaluable experience to the squad in the Championship, and at 30 years old he still has something to offer.

Domingos Quina (STAY) - Aged 20, Quina featured in four Premier League games in 2019/20. He could get more regular opportunities with the club in the Championship.

Tom Dele-Bashiru (STAY) - The youngster has featured in cup competitions this season. More opportunities will arise with the team now in the Championship.

Kwasi Sibo (STAY) - The 22-year-old has just returned from a loan spell with UD Ibiza and could now get game-time in the Championship.

Roberto Pereyra (GO) - With just one year remaining on his deal, Watford may look to move the 29-year-old on to avoid risking losing him on a free transfer.



5. Forwards/Wingers

Deulofeu is currently injured

Gerard Deulofeu (STAY) - Currently injured, the Spaniard would be a star player in the Championship, but there's bound to be interest in him, even if he is currently injured.

Isaac Success (STAY) - The 24-year-old has made only five league appearances for Watford this season, and could be an important squad player in the Championship.

Ismaila Sarr (GO) - The Senegalese winger has caught the eye of Premier League clubs. Watford could use funds from a potential transfer to improve other areas of the squad.

Ignacio Pussetto (STAY) - Pussetto has featured seven times in the Premier League since joining. The Argentine may see more game-time if he stays with the club in the Championship.

Joao Pedro (GO on loan) - A loan move would see the youngster get more opportunities which may not be guaranteed at Watford.

Andre Gray (STAY) - A player who has previously performed well in the Championship, Gray can provide a huge boost to the Hornets if he stays this summer.

Cucho Hernandez (GO on loan) - Recently returning from a loan spell with RCD Mallora, another temporary move would be suitable.

Troy Deeney (STAY) - The captain. Deeney's physicality in attack as well as his leadership off the pitch are reasons why the club need to keep the Englishman.

Danny Welbeck (STAY) - Welbeck has scored two goals in 18 appearances for Watford. The Englishman should be looking to stay and better last season's statistics.

Adalberto Penaranda (STAY) - The striker has been on loan at four different clubs since joining in 2016 and could now get his opportunity with Watford.

Filip Stuparevic (GO on loan) - After returning from a loan spell with FK Vozdovak, another loan spell for the 19-year-old would be a good move.

Jerome Sinclair (GO) - The striker has spent the last season out on loan at VVV-Venlo, registering just one assist in 23 Eredivisie games.



Source: 90min