Kiko Femenia has urged Richarlison to remain at Watford beyond the summer, amid interest from Manchester United and Chelsea.
In an interview with Goal, Kiko Femenia has insisted that he is keen to still be at Watford next season. The Spaniard has further opined on Richarlison’s uncertain future, urging the Brazilian to remain at Vicarage Road beyond the summer transfer window amid interest from Manchester United and Chelsea.
Richarlison created quite the wave on his arrival to the Premier League as he snubbed interest from several big name clubs, including Chelsea to join Watford. The start to life at Vicarage Road was quite an extraordinary one as he quickly established himself as a pivotal figure for the Hornets.
But, the dismissal of Marco Silva has put a spanner in the works for the Brazilian, who has since had to endure a considerable loss in form. His underlying numbers do have some room for improvement, with just five goals and as many assists in 40 appearances across all competitions.
But perhaps, what is more concerning for Richarlison is the fact that he seems to have fallen down the pecking order, having started just one of the last six games that Watford have played. The interest in him has not waned one bit though, with Manchester United and Chelsea still coveting him.
The interest from Manchester United comes as a bit of a surprise, considering Jose Mourinho’s attack is rather left-heavy, with Alexis Sanchez, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford in tow. Richarlison himself prefers operating on the left flank, although he does possess the ability to play on the opposite side.
But, it could also leave a situation similar to Martial’s, with the Frenchman unable to create much of an impact on the right flank, falling down the pecking order as a result. Chelsea, on the other hand, could do with a player of Richarlison’s skill set.
Antonio Conte currently has just Willian, Pedro and Eden Hazard as his wide options. To make matters more concerning, Hazard and Willian are being heavily linked with moves away from Stamford Bridge, which makes Richarlison a viable target.
Richarlison (21) in the Premier League this season – for Watford:
? 90 • Most shots
? 37 • Most appearances
? 4 • Joint-most assists
? 60 • Second-most tackles
? 46 • Second-most dribbles
? 5 • Joint-second top scorerYoung Player of the Season. ? pic.twitter.com/L1O6i3WMBR
— Scouted Football (@ScoutedFtbl) May 10, 2018
Should the duo still remain at the club, Richarlison would be a fine addition as he would flourish in the free role that Conte gives to his wide attackers. Although, with Conte’s own future under a cloud, the Brazilian might be a little hesitant to sign for the Blues.
But, with both clubs holding a place in history for English football, a move up the ladder could interest him. Richarlison though, has been urged by teammate Kiko Femenia to snub interest from both Chelsea and Manchester United to remain at Watford and continue his development.
“I think he is still a very young player, he shows great potential, he did very well this year and he has helped us to win games. But, of course, he is young and I hope he stays here. We will help him to get even better day-by-day.”
It now remains to be seen if Chelsea and Manchester United do fail to convince the Brazilian on the contrary. If not, we could be in for a straight duel between two of the biggest clubs in English football for the Brazilian speedster.
