Another player we're linked to, but doesn't want to come and we won't be signing. http://sportwitness.co.uk/watford-make-approach-napoli-defender-big-race-player/
We need players willing to go through brick walls for the club. He fits the bill. Other-worldly defender on his day.
We've been linked with him in previous windows. Napoli could be trying to get rid in order to replace him with Rodriguez, who we've also been linked with. Unlikely, but perhaps we could come to an agreement whereby we allow them a freer run at Rodriguez in turn for them forcing Ghoulam our way. No concerns about signing him against his will, it worked out alright with our last main left back.
Played regularly for Milan under Gatusso so could see something in that. Ghoulam was a top player until a bad knee injury and has not played regularly since.
Wary of the knee. We definitely need a replacement for Holebas ASAP. In fact there are several areas that will need investment soon as players slide into their thirties.
Name works well to the ‘Hokey Cokey’ should a song be required. Oh Faouzi Ghoulam, oh Faouzi Ghoulam, Oh Faouzi Ghoulam, knees bend, bad stretch six weeks out...
Deal ongoing according to some Italian journo on Twitter. Says the deal is close. We have offered €10mil but Napoli want slightly more. The guy has had 2 ACL injuries, so it’s only a matter of time before we sign him.
Here is the full transcript:- AreaNapoli.it had told you exclusively at the beginning of the month: Faouzi Ghoulam was probed by Watford in January ( details here ). The news anticipated by our editorial staff is now confirmed in the indiscretions disseminated by Alfredo Pedull* , journalist and transfer expert of Sportitalia . The well-known sports commentator and commentator, through his official portal, has revealed some interesting updates on this track relating to the future of the Algerian full-back, who could still leave the club blue in the current negotiation session. Here is what Pedull* wrote: "Faouzi Ghoulam remains out of Napoli. For the Algerian side in the last few hours there has been a survey by Watford, hunting for a profile with those characteristics. Among the parties there were the first contacts, but an agreement has not yet been reached on the evaluation of the card: Watford would like to spend around 10 million euros, while Napoli is asking for more to let Ghoulam leave. A situation to follow anyway ".
Only just over a year ago, United wanted him for £40m!! https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/7486...lam-with-jose-mourinho-keen-on-new-left-back/
There’s only one (realistic) player I want from Napoli and that Maksimovic. Wanted us to sign him for ages. Quality CB. Napoli’s third choice CB. With the Euro’s coming up he might want more regular football. Granted he has played a decent amount of games this season for them, but still, would love for us to chuck £20mil in their direction and see what happens. Edit: Too much fifa I know. Edit edit: on a side note, watford did sign Izzo from Torino in my player career mode. Believe we were linked with him in real life last summer. So could be something in it.
Not sure about this after reading he's had two ACL and a fracture of the knee cap. Struggling with a muscular injury now too. No doubt he was an excellent player but is it worth that sort of risk. Masina is growing into the team very nicely and with Holebas backing him up. Even Kiko has been reborn under Pearson can help out. I still believe a centre back would be a better option who will be pushing immediately for a starting berth.
I agree with your statement about a CB being a more pressing need, even if Pearson is getting more from our existing ones. I don’t think that will last forever. But everything being equal, Femenia is a RB who has switched over and shown decent form. I don’t think it’s a long term fix though. And Holebas is finished I think and it wouldn’t surprise me if we didn’t see him play again for us. We do need a LB to compete with Masina. Ghoulam is more than good enough for us. But we need to be sure about his fitness.
I'm still a bit hesitant regarding Masina - maybe he's growing in to the team, or maybe he's just put in two decent performances against Tranmere and Bournemouth... He's usually struggled against any decent winger that likes to run in behind, let's see how he does against Spurs.
Out of favour Napoli defender , aged 28. http://sportwitness.co.uk/watford-make-approach-napoli-defender-big-race-player/
It's ludicrous to say he's only had 2 good games. He was sensational v Leicester for example. Probably the first name on the team sheet now.
Let Holebas go, Masina and Ghoulam rotate. Don't want to rely on him because of his injuries. He can play the Janmaat role.
Ah sorry! Did look down the list but clearly not hard enough! Sounds perfect for our medical team! Just when Pearson has talked about players needing to be fitter...
According to this report, our offer was refused so a permanent deal looks unlikely, although it is suggested a loan move could still be possible. http://sportwitness.co.uk/watfords-...rnets-unlikely-to-return-with-improved-offer/
At least we are being sensible. We offered £10mil for a 28 yr old (29 in a couple weeks) LB who has had 2 ACL injuries, a fractured knee cap and is currently out with a muscle injury with no return date. The 2017/18 season he was out injured from the start of November till the end of May, missed 31 games. Last season he missed 14 games. This season he has missed 14 games and counting, because there is no return date determined yet. Napoli want more than £10mil haha. Edit: just to clarify and cement why Napoli are stupid, he’s managed a whopping 301 minutes of playing time so far this season, thats a little over 3 games.