With only eight matches left in the 2020/21 EFL Championship campaign, the summer transfer window is closer than people realize. Stars from smaller clubs will move to larger sides. So, there is the inevitable scramble to tie players down to more lucrative, longer and favourable contracts. For Watford, one name they want to keep hold of in the long term is Ken Sema. Now, the Swedish winger has confirmed the new contract is nearly finalized.
Ken Sema Nears New Watford Deal
Ken Sema – Watford’s Surprise Star
When the Hornets were able to keep hold of record-signing Ismaila Sarr, almost everyone suspected he would be Watford’s attacking key to promotion. Joao Pedro was also expected to make a considerable impact in his second season in England. The one attacker who was largely overlooked was Sema. Now, he is just as pivotal to Watford’s attack as Pedro and Sarr.
The versatile left-winger started the season as an “assist-king,” setting up four goals in the first twelve matches. But, even though he has not officially recorded an assist since, that is not to say he has not been largely responsible for setting up numerous multiple other goals (for example, his pass to Sarr to beat Norwich City at the end of December took the subtlest of deflections, meaning Sema was not given credit despite the brilliant pass). In fact, his Expected Assist statistic currently sits at 6.23.
Following a spell on the sidelines due to contracting COVID-19, Sema had a slightly less-impressive run of matches – nonetheless, his signature runs to the byline and threatening balls across the box were present. But, he has most certainly rediscovered his form, and this time, in a different manner.
In Watford’s run of nine wins from ten matches, Sema has scored five times. Xisco Munoz’s wing-focused attacking tactics have helped Sema become a threat as both a provider and scorer. His Expected Goals statistic is currently 2.97, meaning he is finding the back of the net at a statistically efficient rate.
Sema Confirms He and Watford Are on Verge of Completing Extension
Regardless of whether Watford achieve promotion or not, the Hornets will want Sema to stay at Vicarage Road for the distant future. The SportExpressen recently reported Sema is nearing a two-year contract extension (his current contract runs through 2023 – the new one to run until the summer of 2025). The deal is said to make him one of Watford’s highest earners.
Sema confirmed the news of a new contract in an interview with Fotboll Skanalen (Translated from Swedish): “Yes, we talk about [the contract] and it feels like it is close now.
“It feels good and we will see when it becomes official,”
He said: “I have been here for a while now and it feels good.
“I do not think that it would not be a good step for me (an extension), as I feel good about the team and the city.
“There is not much to complain about, to be honest.”
Sema concluded the interview, which also talked about his inclusion in the Swedish National Team, by stating, “I always feel good and I am always positive.
“I work hard and when you have a positive spirit it usually gets good.
“I try to have it all the time and do the best I can – I have fun and enjoy the trip.
“There is nothing I think is more fun than playing football. I am lucky to be able to do it full-time. It is something I enjoy all the time.”
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