If Watford hold onto their second-place spot in the Championship and return to the Premier League at the first time of asking, reinforcements will be needed. Even during their success this season, a recurring theme has grown for the Hornets regardless of their league – a lack of a prolific striker. With Troy Deeney past his best days and Joao Pedro still young, added goalscoring threat is undoubtedly necessary if promotion occurs. Now, Randal Kolo Muani is the goalscorer on Watford’s radar to prevent, if applicable, Premier League goal droughts.
Randal Kolo Muani Garners Close Watford Interest
Watford’s Striker Situation
The last time Watford had a player with more than 12 goals in league play was the 2015/16 season. Admittedly, the Hornets performed well without a prolific goalscorer for a few seasons. But, in the 2019/20 relegation campaign, the need for one came to the fore. The hierarchy knows the extra attacking threat is necessary if a Premier League return happens.
Nineteen-year-old Pedro is likely the Hornets’ ideal striker of the future. With nine goals so far this season, the Brazilian wonder kid is showing tremendous promise. However, four goals in his last 16 matches are a reminder of how he still needs time to improve. He offers a lot when not on the scorers’ sheet, but in the Premier League, for a team that would likely be fighting for survival, a striker needs to consistently offer plenty in front of goal too.
Returning from loan next season is Cucho Hernandez. As previously reported, if the Hornets are promoted, he is happy to stay and is in the club’s plans. Like Pedro, however, Hernandez is still a gamble considering his young age.
Deeney, Stipe Perica, Andre Gray, and Isaac Success do not appear to be the Hornets’ long-term future when considering prolific strikers. So, the Hornets know they will need to splash the cash if promoted in order to have enough quality options at the focal point of the attack.
Kolo Muani Transfer Eyed if Promoted
As is obvious, Watford’s transfer window story entirely relies on whether they are a Premier League club. Kolo Muani, according to Foot Mercato, via Sport Witness, also has interest from big clubs such as Club Brugge, Frankfurt, and RB Leipzig. The Hornets would only be able to throw their weight around with those names if in the top flight.
Although Kolo Muani is 22-years-old, his progress in the French top-flight indicates he can be reliable in the Premier League. After a loan to the French third-tier last season, Kolo Muani burst onto the scene with FC Nantes. He scored five goals and notched the same number of assists in 30 appearances so far.
If Watford sign Kolo Muani, they would have a strong arsenal of young striker talent. Between Kolo Muani, Pedro, and Hernandez, the centre of the Hornets’ attack would be Premier League quality.
And, considering Nantes are facing relegation and his contract expires in 2022, Watford would still have plenty of funds to improve elsewhere on the pitch as well if they sign him.
Main Photo
