Ismaila Sarr and Kiko Femenia were stars on the right side of the pitch for Xisco Munoz. Their intricate overlaps and wing play suited Xisco’s style of play perfectly and spearheaded Watford’s promotion-winning attack. The left side of the pitch, with Adam Masina and Ken Sema, performed well enough, though it was clear that the right side was getting the bulk of the focus and producing the majority of the success. In the Championship, the lopsidedness worked. In the Premier League, however, Watford know reinforcements are needed to balance the pitch. They wasted no time plotting moves for their left flank.
Ashley Young and Josh Doig Say Potential Goodbyes Ahead of Rumoured Watford Moves
Josh Doig Negotiations Set to Reopen Following Scottish FA Cup Heartbreak
Recently, Watford were linked with a transfer for Hibernian’s left-back Josh Doig. The Hornets are reported to have the upper hand in a potential Doig transfer, with Jack Rosser of the Evening Standard claiming Arsenal are also scouting the Scotsman. A fee in the range of £4 million will be required to secure his services.
The player frequently compared to Kieran Tierney fell to a 1-0 defeat against St. Johnstone in the Scottish FA Cup final. He played 76 minutes before being substituted off for Lewis Stevenson, a more attacking-minded option. Doig may have wanted to do better to contest Shaun Rooney on the only goal of the match, but besides that, he was solid throughout. It is a reminder he has room to improve, but signing him would still be shrewd business nonetheless.
Adam Leventhal of the Athletic suggests that negotiations will further progress now that the cup final has passed. Watford understandably have new competition for his signature, though they still are favoured to bring him in.
Ashley Young Scores in Potential Inter Milan Swan Song
Ashley Young started his career with Watford. It has been widely known he wants to end it at Vicarage Road too. Now, it may be the time for Young to make his Hertfordshire return with his Inter contract expiring. Fabrizio Romano claims there is a “huge chance” the reunion happens.
This season, the 35-year-old left-midfielder/left-back played 34 matches in all competitions for the Scudetto winners, providing four assists in the process. And on Sunday, in Inter Milan’s final match of the season, Young scored in what may be his last match in Italy. He opened the scoring in the 5-1 thumping of Udinese following intricate movement into the box.
The one stepping stone in the potential transfer would be if Inter Milan offer the Englishman a contract extension. With no new developments happening on that front, and Young telling Sky Sports it would be hard to reject a Watford move, the Hornets will be fancying their chances of securing a fairytale ending to his career.
Watford remain in pole position for both of their left-sided targets’ signatures. And, considering Young would arrive on a free transfer and Doig for £4 million if all goes to plan, Xisco will still have considerable funds at his disposal to bolster other positions.
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