Are Watford finally being… ‘smart’ ?
Watford Football club and ‘logical decisions’ are not phrases commonly associated with each other.
In recent years, there has been a continuation of the revolving door for head coaches at the club, with both poor appointments and dismissals from the ownership occurring.
The hierarchy of Gino Pozzo, Scott Duxbury and Gianluca Nani have also made poor transfer decisions, leaving managers with weak squads and a lack of quality at their disposal.
Tom Cleverley’s sacking, at the start of May this year, following his one year tenure as manager and also his seven years of service as a player certainly seemed to epitomise these bad decisions, especially given the rapport he had with the fanbase.
Reports since have suggested that Cleverley was never the owner‘s, Gino Pozzo, preferred appointment. And so the appointment of Paulo Pezzolano certainly seems to be one more aligned with the owners vision, and the new boss is certainly receiving sufficient, smart backing according to that.
Whilst it’s too early to state whether Watford have fully reformed their transfer strategy to be more ‘smart and savy’, the early indications in June are that Pezzolano will be backed, with three smart signings secured already.
Hector, ‘the protector’, Kyprianou:
Arguably the most exciting and important signing out of the three Watford have made- is that of Kyprianou, who joined following the expiration of his contract at Peterborough United.
The 24 year addresses key problems for the Hornets, by providing a strong option in midfield and also a strong sense of leadership.
Bar the performances of Imran Louza in the middle of the pitch, Watford’s midfield remained rather weak in the 2024/25 campaign, especially lacking physicality and defensive nous. And so this signing may prove to be of vital importance, given the physicality and skills as a box-to box midfielder which Hector possesses.
The midfielder’s leadership skills will also be of vital importance to a hornets team, who have lacked ‘backbone’ at times in the season. Kyprianou, as captain, led the young Peterborough team to EFL trophy success in the 2024/25 campaign.
Certainly a welcome addition and someone who could have a wider impact on the squad, beyond the pitch.
Baxter between the sticks:
The signing of Nathan Baxter, upon the expiration of his contract, has bolstered the hornets’ goalkeeping options, especially amidst the transfer of Jonathon Bond, who returned to the MLS and signed for Houston Dynamo in April 2025.
The Chelsea academy graduate brings a wealth of EFL experience having made 28 appearances across two seasons at Hull City in 2021/22 and 2022/23 and more recently being the number one goalkeeper for Bolton Wanderers in the 2024/25 campaign.
Whilst it’s likely Baxter will remain deputy to Norwegian International, Egil Selvik- it’s another signing which provides experience and depth in a position which may also be weakened by a potential, future departure of Daniel Bachmann, who has been linked with Norwich.
Bola’s back in the Championship :
The latest addition to Pezzolano’s squad comes in the form of Marc Bola, who also joins on a free, following the expiration of his contract in Turkey and off the back of a highly successful season for Samsunpor.
The 27 year old brings a wealth of Championship experience, having made 96 appearances for Middlesbrough, before his departure for Turkey.
Bola is likely to provide strong competition for the young Caleb Wiley, who is likely to return for a second spell at the club, and may be seen by many as an upgrade on James Morris.
Another card to strengthen Pezzolano’s hand and more Championship experience- something Watford has been lacking greatly in new signings.
Of course, it’s far too early to suggest Watford are having a successful window given there is still over a month until the deadline arrives.
There is still areas which need addressing urgently and the threat of star players such as Chakvetadze, Baah and Louza being highly sought after by other clubs.
If the ownership are serious about backing their new man, Pezzolano, and their self-proclaimed goals of ‘promotion’, then there is still work to be done.
However, credit has to be given when it’s due- and thus far Watford and the ownership are going about their transfer business efficiently and smartly.
Will this business continue, or will we seen the same ludicrous decisions in the market cost the team, managers and the club?