Watford have agreed a one-season loan deal for Bologna goalkeeper Federico Ravaglia, with an option to buy that could become an obligation if the club earns promotion to the Premier League. The Hornets, currently 16th in the Championship with 57 points from 46 games, continue to reshape their squad under Alessio Dionisi.

What’s the Ravaglia deal?

According to Sky Sport Italia, Watford will take Ravaglia on loan for the 2026-27 season. The agreement includes a clause that would make the move permanent if Watford secure promotion. The 26-year-old keeper would join Edoardo Bove, another Italian brought in last term, in an increasingly Italian-flavoured Watford set-up.

Why Watford want Ravaglia

Ravaglia has spent the past four seasons at Bologna, battling Lukasz Skorupski for the number-one spot. He made 25 competitive appearances last season across Serie A, Europa League, Supercoppa Italiana and Coppa Italia, keeping two clean sheets while conceding 45 goals. The move gives him a route to regular first-team football after a campaign where Watford shipped 65 goals and sit 38 points behind league leaders Coventry.

What happens next for Watford

Watford’s next fixture is away to Barnet on July 15, 2026, just over a week after the transfer window opens. With five straight losses and no wins in their last five games, every signing now counts. Ravaglia’s arrival adds depth in goal, but the Hornets still need to tighten their defence if they’re to climb out of the Championship’s lower half before the window shuts.