Watford have completed the signing of Croatian defender Branimir Mlacic on a season-long loan from Udinese. The 19-year-old centre-back becomes the club's sixth summer addition, arriving just before the transfer deadline to bolster the defensive options for the Championship campaign.
Mlacic landed in the UK on Sunday night and finalised his move on Monday. He was swiftly included in the matchday squad for the team's Championship fixture away at Swansea City. The Hornets currently sit 9th in the Championship table with 5 points from three games, having scored 4 goals and conceded 3. Their next challenge is an away trip to face 6th-placed West Brom on September 5th.
Branimir Mlacic is a highly-rated Croatian youth international who plays as a centre-back. Born in 2006, he moved to Udinese in January of this year and made seven senior appearances for the Italian club before this loan move. Watford's group technical director, Gian Luca Nani, has described the player as hugely talented. Mlacic himself expressed his delight at the transfer. "I'm very happy to be here," he said. "I'm looking forward to meeting the squad and excited to play for this club."
The signing addresses a clear need for defensive reinforcement. Watford had been aiming to bring in another defender before the 11pm deadline, though that player would not have been available for the Swansea match. Mlacic's arrival provides immediate cover and competition at the back. His inclusion against Swansea demonstrates the coaching staff's readiness to use him. Fans can view the full defensive roster on the club's squad page.
Watford's start to the 2026/27 season has been solid if unspectacular. With one win and two draws from their opening three matches, they have collected 5 points. This leaves them 9th in the Championship standings, just 4 points behind early leaders Charlton Athletic. Their recent form reads as two draws followed by a win. The team's goal difference stands at +1. Supporters can track the evolving league picture on our dedicated standings page.
Deadline day was busy for the Hornets beyond the Mlacic deal. The club was also working on a move for a player named Mavididi, though the outcome of those talks was not confirmed in the initial report. The successful capture of Mlacic concludes a summer that has seen six new faces arrive at Vicarage Road. Their next match is against West Brom at The Hawthorns on September 5th.
