Watford have reportedly agreed deals to sign Hassane Kamara and Edo Kayembe, while they are also closing in on the capture of Domagoj Vida.
According to The Athletic, Watford are set to get their January transfer window underway with a double deal for OGC Nice left-back Hassane Kamara and KAS Eupen defensive midfielder Edo Kayembe.
Kamara is in his second season with Nice, having arrived at the club in 2020 from Stade Reims. Since then, he has featured 53 times for the Ligue 1 club, scoring three goals and registering two assists. The 27-year-old has taken the pitch on 11 occasions this season and has a contract with the French outfit that runs till 2024.
Kamara had been in talks to sign for Watford from Reims back in 2020 but opted to stay in France. However, he has been negotiating a switch to Vicarage Road since November last year and is now close to finalising the transfer. Indeed, the report states that the left-back is already in England and is close to completing a £4 million transfer.
With Danny Rose not entirely favoured by manager Claudio Ranieri and Adam Masina travelling to the Africa Cup of Nations, Kamara’s signing will ensure that the Hornets have enough depth in the left-back slot.
Apart from the Ivory Coast international, the Hertfordshire-based outfit have also agreed a deal to sign Edo Kayembe from KAS Eupen. A product of the Anderlecht youth setup, the DR Congo star joined Eupen in 2020 and has grown into a key operator in the middle of the park. In 45 appearances for the Belgian outfit to date, the defensive midfielder has scored four goals, all of which have come in the 2021/22 season.
The report adds that the 23-year-old would also be joining Watford in a deal worth £4 million and is already in England to apply the finishing touches, with an announcement being imminent. Kayembe’s arrival ensures that the Hornets do not miss their key man in midfield, Imran Louza, who is set to travel for the AFCON where he will be representing Morocco.
Furthermore, at 23, Kaymebe also provides a long-term option for the club as someone who can replace the ageing Moussa Sissoko in the near future.
Watford close in on Domagoj Vida
With deals for Kamara and Kayembe wrapped up, Watford are also believed to be closing in on the capture of veteran defender Domagoj Vida. The Croatian international has been with Besiktas for four years, having arrived from Ukrainian outfit Dynamo Kyiv. He has made 151 appearances for the Turkish bigwigs, scoring 15 goals and setting up one more.
Vida’s contract with Besiktas runs out at the end of the season, and Watford have acted to capitalise on the situation. The report states that Besiktas are open to offloading the towering centre-half in the ongoing transfer window. However, it was previously believed that he could be heading to his former club, NK Osijek. But that seems to have changed now, as Vida is now on his way to Vicarage Road.
It is mentioned that the Hornets might not have to offer any transfer fee for the 32-year-old centre-back and simply cover his wages for the next six months. A dominant force in defence for both club and country, Vida would add a lot of value to this Watford side due to his experience and proven pedigree.
This season, the Hornets have been poor defensively, shipping in 36 goals from just 18 games. Only Newcastle United (42), Norwich City (42) and Leeds United (37) have conceded more than Ranieri’s side. Given the inconsistent performances of their current defensive options, it makes sense that they are now close to adding a player of Vida’s experience as they look to avoid the drop back to the EFL Championship.
