Walter Mazzarri, Watford to Part Ways After Final Match vs. Manchester City
May 17, 2017
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 12: Walter Mazzarri, Manager of Watford looks on prior to the Premier League match between Everton and Watford at Goodison Park on May 12, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Watford have confirmed manager Walter Mazzarri will depart the club after a poor campaign in the Premier League.
The Hornets' chairman, Scott Duxbury, released a statement on the club's official website to say the Italian will leave at the end of the campaign:
"After the Board discussed with Walter Mazzarri the club’s future goals and aspirations, it was decided he will be stepping down from his position as the club’s Head Coach after the final game of the 2016/17 season.
"We thank Walter and his staff for the contribution they have made to Watford Football Club over the past year."
The former Inter Milan and Napoli manager took the reins at Vicarage Road in July 2016, but results and form have been disappointing, leaving Watford just above the relegation zone.
Mazzarri's team has won only 40 points this term, avoiding the drop by a minimal gap as Hull City were confirmed as relegated to the EFL Championship along with Middlesbrough and Sunderland.
Just 11 wins from 37 league matches has triggered the Hornets to release their coach and start afresh this summer.
Odion Ighalo to Changchun Yatai: Latest Transfer Details, Comments and Reaction
Jan 31, 2017
STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - JANUARY 03: Odion Ighalo of Watford during the Premier League match between Stoke City and Watford at Bet365 Stadium on January 3, 2017 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)
Watford have confirmed the sale of striker Odion Ighalo to Chinese Super League side Changchun Yatai. The Hornets broke the news on their official website.
Watford also relayed a message for the once-prolific Nigerian: "All at Watford FC thank Odion for his contributions to the club and wish him the best of luck for his future career."
Sky Sports presenter Adam Leventhal confirmed the fee Watford are set to receive for Ighalo:
Watford previously turned down a £38 million offer for Ighalo from Shanghai SIPG in June, per the Guardian's Fabrizio Romano.
The 27-year-old made a major impact in his debut season in the Premier League in 2015-16, netting 15 goals in 37 appearances as Watford finished comfortably in mid-table in their first term back in the English top flight, per WhoScored.com.
Ighalo formed an excellent partnership with Troy Deeney at Vicarage Road, as former Watford boss Quique Sanchez Flores utilised an effective 4-4-2 formation.
However, the Daily Mirror's Adam Newson—formerly of the Watford Observer—felt Ighalo was flattering to deceive with his performances:
Ighalo leaves #WatfordFC. Provided great memories but always believed he was playing above his ability last seasonhttps://t.co/27DNrSgwS4
It appeared Newson was right, as Ighalo has struggled in 2016-17 to be as impactful, netting just one goal in 18 Premier League appearances, per WhoScored.com.
The Nigeria international can be an effective goalscorer, while he is also comfortable in possession and adept at bringing attacking team-mates into play.
Before moving to Watford and netting 20 goals in their 2014-15 Championship campaign, Ighalo spent three underwhelming seasons on loan from Udinese at La Liga club Granada.
Ighalo initially thrived in England but only has one season as a proven goalscorer in the Premier League.
Changchun Yatai have taken a slight gamble on Ighalo, but he will be eager prove that he is not just a one-season wonder.
Troy Deeney, Watford Agree on New Contract: Latest Details and Reaction
Jul 1, 2016
Watford's English striker Troy Deeney celebrates after scoring his second goal during the English Premier League football match between Watford and Aston Villa at Vicarage Road Stadium in Watford, north of London on April 30, 2016. / AFP / GLYN KIRK / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)
Watford captain Troy Deeney has agreed a new five-year contract with the club, ending speculation about his future.
News of the striker’s deal came from the club on Friday.
Deeney took to Twitter recently to discuss his future after a flurry of transfer talk:
Funny how a couple of days ago I had left for 30 million and today I'm signing a new contract if you don't know nothing keep quiet thanks 😘
Watford's statement relayed further comments from their skipper:
This club really means business and I want to be part of this.
I’ve listened carefully to everything the club has had to say to me recently.
We’ve talked things through in a sensible way—and it’s helped me fully deal with lots of my own thoughts.
When you’re right in the middle of something, maybe you take it for granted how quickly things are moving forward. I don’t think I’ve done that; but by talking it over it’s clear that Watford isn’t ever going to settle for second-best – and that’s how I want to feel about my career so it works for me.
As reported by Darren Lewis of the Daily Mirror, the Hornets rejected two bids for the player from champions Leicester City, the second amounting to a whopping £25 million.
For plenty it was an error on the part of Watford to turn the money down. After all, they’ll be seeking to cement their spot in the top flight of English football next season, and while Deeney is a functional forward, new manager Walter Mazzarri would have been able to sign a replacement and strengthen other areas of the squad with the money recouped.
Bleacher Report’s Rob Blanchette thinks the Foxes, who will be playing UEFA Champions League football next season, would have been overpaying:
You can buy a very good European striker for £20m. The English tax on Deeney, a non-international, is crude.
While it does seem a huge amount to turn down given Deeney has only had one full season in the Premier League, those who watch the side on a regular basis will understand why they’ve rebuffed the advances of the champions.
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 24: Troy Deeney of Watford appaluds the crowd after defeat in The Emirates FA Cup semi final match between Watford and Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium on April 24, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Imag
That’s because the striker is a leader for Watford. Not only is he a vital source of goals, with 13 netted last season in the top flight, he’s a brilliant foil for other attacking players, with Odion Ighalo the main beneficiary of his presence last season. He provided seven assists in the 2015-16 campaign, per Squawka:
Troy Deeney was directly involved in 20 goals in 38 Premier League games last season (13G, 7A). https://t.co/oTJzXaLtll
Deeney owes a lot to Watford as well. The club stood by him when he was sentenced to 10 months in prison in June 2012, allowing him to come back into the team upon release when many clubs would have cast him aside. Now the striker has opted to show some of that loyalty in return.
It must have been a tough decision for the striker nonetheless. The Foxes played a brilliant, direct style of football last season that would have suited the striker had he made a move to the King Power Stadium; the UEFA Champions League would have also been a huge draw for the 28-year-old. But it’s clear Vicarage Road is very much his home.
Christian Kabasele to Watford: Latest Transfer Details, Reaction and More
Jul 1, 2016
Belgium's defender Christian Kabasele looks on as he gives a press conference during the Euro 2016 football tournament at Le Haillan, on June 20, 2016. / AFP / EMMANUEL DUNAND (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images)
Watford confirmed the signing of Belgian centre-back Christian Kabasele from Genk on Friday with the 25-year-old signing a five-year deal at Vicarage Road.
The Hornets announced the news on their Twitter feed:
Per BBC Sport, Watford are believed to have paid in the region of £6 million in order to snap up Kabasele, who is currently at Euro 2016 with the Belgian national squad.
While he has yet to win a senior cap for Belgium, he has represented them at numerous youth levels.
Kabasele joined Genk in 2014 and was the only outfield player in the Belgian Pro League last season to play every minute of the regular season and play-offs, per BBC Sport's report.
Watford's official statement relayed that he scored seven goals in his 81 appearances for Genk.
Given his reliability and physicality he should cope well with the challenges of the Premier League.
Furthermore, it seems that Watford may have negotiated themselves an excellent deal given that Genk initially wanted a reported fee of £8.3 million, per Belgian football writer Kristof Terreur:
Racing Genk want £8,3m for Belgian international Christian Kabasele. He's one of Watford's options. #watfordfc#bel#euro2016
Kabasele joins a strong centre-back unit in manager Walter Mazzarri's squad that currently includes Miguel Britos, Sebastian Prodl and Craig Cathcart.
Jerome Sinclair to Watford: Latest Transfer Details, Reaction and More
Jun 30, 2016
Liverpool's English striker Jerome Sinclair in action during the English FA Cup fourth round football match between Liverpool and West Ham United at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England, on January 30, 2016. / AFP / PAUL ELLIS / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images)
Liverpool announced on Thursday a deal has been agreed with Watford for the transfer of young forward Jerome Sinclair.
News of the move was reported on the official Reds website. “The 19-year-old has secured a move to Vicarage Road upon the expiry of his Reds contract but, as he is under the age of 24, his registration would have been subject to compensation in the form of a development fee,” noted the statement.
Watford revealed on their official website that Sinclair has penned a five-year contract at Vicarage Road and posted the following on Twitter to welcome him to the club:
According to David Prentice of the Liverpool Echo, the compensation agreed between the two clubs for the player is £4 million.
The player’s decision to sign for Watford was confirmed in an Instagram post from his representative, Colossal Sports Management, in May:
The teenager was tipped for big things at Anfield after excelling in the club's youth setup following a move from West Bromwich Albion in 2011, but he will continue his progression as a Hornets player.
Sinclair made just five senior appearances during his time on Merseyside, the first of which—when he was 16 years and six days old—saw the striker become the youngest player to appear for Liverpool in the Reds’ long history. His only goal for the club came in an FA Cup tie against Exeter City in early 2016.
In addition, Sinclair has also represented England five times at both the under-16 and under-17 levels.
Troy Deeney Transfer Rumours: Latest News, Speculation on Watford Striker
Jun 9, 2016
WATFORD, ENGLAND - APRIL 30: Troy Deeney of Watford applauds the home supporters after his team's 3-2 win in the Barclays Premier League match between Watford and Aston Villa at Vicarage Road on April 30, 2016 in Watford, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Watford have reportedly rejected a bid of around £20 million from Leicester City for striker Troy Deeney. Rumours and speculation have swirled regarding a potential sale.
Continue for updates.
Deeney Comments on Rumours
Wednesday, June 22
Funny how a couple of days ago I had left for 30 million and today I'm signing a new contract if you don't know nothing keep quiet thanks 😘
The news came from Sky Sports News HQ on Thursday, with the Premier League champions seeking to add to their squad as they look to build on a phenomenal campaign. Per the Mirror's Darren Lewis, Watford have said he will not be sold.
Deeney enjoyed a strong season with the Hornets, racking up 15 goals and 10 assists in all competitions.
Meanwhile, the Foxes' own star striker Jamie Vardy has been the subject of intense speculation of late after Stuart James of the Guardian reported Arsenal had met his release clause.
However, according to Bleacher Report UK's Dean Jones, the bid for Deeney is not related to Vardy's potential departure: "Leicester are bidding for [Deeney] irrelevant of what happens with Vardy. [They] want him even if Vardy stays."
The Leicester Mercury's James Sharpe corroborated Jones' report, noting the Foxes are hoping the pair can work together at the King Power Stadium rather than Deeney being brought in as a replacement.
Younger and more prolific than Shinji Okazaki, Deeney could make a good partner for Vardy and increase Leicester's goal threat.
However, if Watford are prepared to reject a bid of that magnitude, it's clear they're adamant in their desire to keep him.
Quique Sanchez Flores to Depart Watford: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction
May 13, 2016
Watford's Spanish manager Quique Sanchez Flores looks on ahead on the English Premier League football match between Norwich City and Watford at Carrow Road in Norwich, eastern England, on May 11, 2016.
/ AFP / LINDSEY PARNABY (Photo credit should read LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP/Getty Images)
Watford announced on Friday they will part ways with manager Quique Sanchez Flores at the end of the season.
The Hornets confirmed the news via Twitter:
STATEMENT: #watfordfc confirms Quique Sanchez Flores will leave after the end of the season. More to follow.
The Spaniard replaced Slavisa Jokanovic as boss last June, becoming the fifth manager at the club in a 12-month period.
The club shared a statement on its official website, which read: "We would like to thank Quique. He and the team achieved the target set them at the start of the season of staying in the Premier League for a second year. Quique leaves with all our best wishes for the future and the knowledge he is always welcome at Vicarage Road."
Flores explained the situation in a press conference, Sky Sports News HQ sharing the footage:
"The club and me don't have the same point of view about the season. My contract finishes....and then I will leave" https://t.co/SfFO0eKtyQ
Though the club's form has tailed off somewhat in the latter half of the season, Flores has comfortably kept Watford in the Premier League. Indeed, the Hornets never looked to be at serious risk of relegation—a particularly commendable achievement given the huge overhaul in personnel last summer.
He also took them to an FA Cup semi-final. Sky Sports revealed his record of results at Watford:
We'll hear from Sanchez Flores later today, and in the last few moments, Flores hasn't ruled out a move to #LUFCpic.twitter.com/TvjgH1mMbA
The manager has made some puzzling decisions this season—his continued use of central midfielder Almen Abdi out wide throughout the campaign has been a source of ire for Hornets fans, while his decision to field centre-back Craig Cathcart as a right-back against Liverpool on Sunday, despite having full-backs Allan Nyom and Juan Carlos Paredes on the bench, was similarly strange and ineffective.
Nevertheless, having achieved survival comfortably in his first season in English football, Flores will have won himself many admirers this year.
Per Sky Sports' Kaveh Solhekol, he is aiming to remain in the Premier League if possible:
Quique Sanchez Flores met Watford board yesterday. Wants to stay in England and Premier League. Does not rule out Leeds job #lufc
With Roberto Martinez having departed Everton on Thursday, as reported by McNulty for BBC Sport, there may well be speculation linking Flores with the Toffees. There could also be plenty of clubs in the Championship or abroad looking to secure his services.
As for Watford, they'll be hoping his replacement can not only achieve survival yet again but aim to build on their campaign under Flores, perhaps targeting a top-half finish.
Insider Buzz: Quique Sanchez Flores' Watford Future to Be Decided Within a Month
Apr 26, 2016
Watford's form in 2016 has been terrible, culminating in their 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Crystal Palace.
In the video above, Bleacher Report Insider Dean Jones reveals that manager Quique Sanchez Flores' future at the club will be decided within the next month.
Mario Suarez to Watford: Latest Transfer Details, Reaction and More
Jan 30, 2016
Fiorentina's midfielder from Spain Mario Suarez celebrates after scoring during the Italian Serie A football match Fiorentina vs Frosinone at the Franchi stadium in Florence on November 1, 2015. AFP PHOTO / VINCENZO PINTO (Photo credit should read VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images)
Mario Suarez has left Fiorentina and signed for Premier League side Watford, after only being with La Viola since July.
The Hornets' official site confirmed the news, revealing the combative midfielder has joined the club on a four-and-a-half-year deal. Details of the fee paid were undisclosed.
Suarez will now be reunited with manager Quique Sanchez Flores, who once worked with him during his earlier spell with Atletico Madrid, per the report.
Suarez posted a welcome to the Watford fans, expressing his hope for success via the club's official account:
The 28-year-old midfielder left Atleti for Serie A during the summer of 2015 but failed to establish himself as a regular with La Viola. Per WhoScored.com, he was mainly used in the UEFA Europa League, where he made three starts.
Those starts were quite impressive, however:
Mario Suárez: Only 1 player to start more than 1 Europa League match this season has better pass success than @MarioSuarez4 (93.6%)
Suarez was a bit of a late bloomer, but he flourished in Spain under manager Diego Simeone, who made full use of his tenacity and impressive defensive range. The midfielder is an excellent ball winner who will run for days, and he also has the technical ability to thrive in possession.
He lost his spot as a regular starter to Tiago Mendes and Gabi in 2014, which is why he made the switch to Fiorentina. But in Florence, Milan Badelj and Matias Vecino have thrived as the central duo, and manager Paulo Sousa has been unwilling to tinker too much with his squad, preferring to keep their strong run going.
Per Football Italia, this understandably led to a lot of transfer speculation surrounding Suarez, and it now seems his search for regular playing time has led him to a new club.
As you can see in the video below, fans should have some cause to be excited about this signing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFEzqjms92k
Suarez may need some time to find his best form, as he hasn't played that much in the last few months, but he should be able to make strong contributions for his new club before long. His biggest strengths―physical attributes and vision―are universal and should translate to any league, so his transition shouldn't be too difficult.
Suarez was a very underrated part of Atletico's title-winning side in 2013-14, and while he may not be the most polished midfielder, his high work rate and willingness to get his hands dirty will make him a fan favourite before long.
Costel Pantilimon to Watford: Latest Transfer Details, Reaction and More
Jan 19, 2016
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 26: Costel Pantilimon of Sunderland warms up prior to during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium on December 26, 2015 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Watford completed the signing of giant goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon on Tuesday, with the 6'8" Romanian moving to the Hornets for an undisclosed fee.
The club announced the capture of the former Sunderland star via Twitter:
According to Watford's official website, Pantilimon has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with the Hornets. Sunderland confirmed the exit on their own website, thanking the player for his services: "Sunderland AFC would like to thank Costel and wish him the very best for the future at his new club."
The 28-year-old moved to Sunderland in 2014 and had been the Black Cats' regular man in goal until recently.
He enjoyed a productive first season at the Stadium of Light and was Sunderland's unquestioned starter heading into the 2015-16 season, but a handful of inconsistent showings and the club's poor form in the Premier League resulted in his demotion.
Manager Sam Allardyce initially gave the starting position to Vito Mannone but has also let promising youngster Jordan Pickford show what he can do, spelling the end of Pantilimon's time with the club.
According to WhoScored.com, Sunderland's defence certainly didn't make things easy for the Romania international during his time with the club:
Costel Pantilimon: Has averaged more saves per game (4.02) than any other GK with 10+ Premier League apps since the start of last season
Still just 28 years old, Pantilimon will hand Watford starter Heurelho Gomes some much-needed competition. The veteran has enjoyed a fine season with the newly promoted squad, but Gomes is 34 years old and may not be able to play at the highest level much longer.
At the very least, Pantilimon will be an excellent backup and possible replacement when Gomes starts to decline or calls it quits.
