Watford are reportedly keen to solve their defensive issues, with Sampdoria defender Omar Colley the latest on their radar over a January move.
According to Transfer Market Web, Watford are interested in signing 29-year-old central defender Omar Colley from Serie A outfit Sampdoria in the January transfer window. The Hornets have faced defensive issues throughout the season and will seek solutions from the market.
Watford have had their ups and downs this season. After getting promoted from the Championship, any team returning to the Premier League has its challenges, with a relegation battle the foremost of them all. The Hornets have seen first-hand the great gulf in quality between their squad and most of the pre-existing sides in the top division.
After a slow start to the current season, Watford remain tipped to get relegated to the Championship. Their initial dismal run ended with the departure of Xisco Munoz in October, with veteran Italian tactician Claudio Ranieri taking over the helm at Vicarage Road.
Watford have not necessarily made merry under Ranieri, despite the team managing some memorable victories along the way. Their emphatic wins over Everton and Manchester United might have lifted the team’s spirits to an extent, but there is still plenty of work to execute if they dream of being in the Premier League next season.
One such issue would be their leaky defence. The Hornets have conceded 31 goals in 18 games, making them among the worst in the Premier League on the defensive front. Ranieri might have tested many ideas to keep things tight at the back but has failed with most. And the transfer window seems the best bet to resolve those problems.
The Italian wants to sign a new goalkeeper and a centre-back to bring balance at the back. To that end, Thomas Strakosha has already been linked with Watford, with Sampdoria defender Omar Colley now emerging on their radar.
Ranieri will be well aware of Colley’s qualities, having coached him during his stint as the Serie A club’s manager. Despite their own dismal defensive record, the 29-year-old Gambian defender was a regular starter under the Italian and continues to feature prominently for Sampdoria.
Colley could take this interest and agree to join Watford, which could give him a chance to play in the Premier League. At 29, he may not get another shot at playing in England, and the Hornets could be his best bet yet.
It remains to be seen how much Sampdoria demand for their regular centre-back. Despite the defender’s existing contract with the Serie A club running till the summer of 2025, he could be available for a reasonable price in January. Watford are on the edge of the relegation zone and in desperate need of signings that can improve them immediately, and Colley could be the defender to help them out.
