Watford FC manager Luke Dowling knows the team needs a striker this summer. The Hornets have been struggling to find a reliable goalscorer, and Dowling believes a new centre-forward could be the solution. In an ideal world, he'd like a player who can run in behind and offer a different dimension to the team's attack.
What happened?
Dowling outlined the difficulties of signing a top striker, with every team chasing the number nine who can score 20+ goals per season. However, he confirmed Watford are in the market to recruit one and improve their forward line.
Why it matters for Watford
The team's inability to find a reliable goalscorer has been a major issue, with Keinan Davis, Mileta Rajovic, and Vakoun Bayo all struggling to make an impact. Dowling wants a striker who can be a game-changer, someone who can pop up with a winner or equaliser.
What comes next?
Dowling is less interested in the individual tally, focusing more on the type of goals the striker can score and the impact they can have on the team. He wants a player who can get their wide players scoring goals and their midfield players chipping in.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 16th in Championship, 57 pts, 14W-15D-17L from 46 games, recent form LLLLL. Goals this season: 53 scored, 65 conceded (-12 goal difference). Title race: 38 points behind leaders Coventry. Last result: Watford 0-4 Coventry (2026-05-02). Recent form (last 5): 0W-0D-5L (LLLLL, most recent first); lost the last 5.
