Watford have agreed a deal to sign Stephy Mavididi from Leicester City. The 28-year-old winger is set to arrive as a direct replacement for Nestory Irankunda, who joined Sporting CP earlier in the window.
This move comes as Watford sit 9th in the Championship with five points from their first three games. Their recent form reads DDW, with four goals scored and three conceded. The club is four points behind early leaders Charlton.
Why Watford needed a new winger
Watford's need for a left-sided attacker became urgent after Nestory Irankunda's £17 million transfer to Sporting CP. The club had to act in the final days of the window to fill that gap. The deal aims to create competition for places on the left wing. Manager Russell Martin left Mavididi out of Leicester's squad recently, a clear signal his future lay elsewhere. "Mavididi has been left out of Russell Martin’s plans as of late, with him, alongside Wout Faes and Hamza Choudhury, all kept out of the Foxes squad amid speculation around their futures," Martin said.
What Stephy Mavididi brings to Vicarage Road
Stephy Mavididi is an experienced Championship winger who made 42 appearances for Leicester City last season. He scored three goals and provided one assist during that campaign. Before his time at Leicester, the player had a spell with Preston North End. His arrival provides a ready-made option for Watford's flank. The club is also expected to complete the signing of Riccardo Sottil on a season-long loan from an Italian side, further bolstering their wide options. Mavididi had been linked with other clubs including Middlesbrough and Rangers, but Watford secured the agreement.
How the squad is shaping up for the season
Watford's early season form shows a solid, if unspectacular, start. They have taken five points from a possible nine. The team's goal difference stands at +1. Adding Mavididi addresses a specific need in the squad following a major sale. His track record at this level should help maintain attacking output. The deal was agreed during the hectic final phase of the transfer window, a period where several Championship clubs were active. Sheffield United signed a Bangladeshi international, while Wout Faes was expected to join West Ham United.
What's next for Watford
Attention now turns to integrating the new signings ahead of the next Championship fixture. Watford travel to face West Bromwich Albion on September 5th. West Brom currently sit 6th in the table, making it a tough early-season test. Fans can find details for this and all upcoming matches on the club's fixtures page. The match at The Hawthorns will be a first opportunity to see how the revised attacking unit performs.
