What do Watford need in January?
Watford could do with another goal-scoring striker. Vakoun Bayo has done well this season but he needs some back-up. We thought Daniel Jebbison was going to be the answer but he hasn’t been able to get going and has hardly featured since joining on loan from Bournemouth.
With Tom Dele-Bashiru injured, the Hornets may also need a central midfielder.
What sort of business are they likely to do?
Watford didn’t do much in January last year but their league position at the time meant promotion didn’t seem likely and so there probably wasn’t much point.
The year before they had more of a chance and did sign a few but they still had parachute payments then which they no longer benefit from. But given their league position and the potential of promotion there could be some additions.
How successful have they been in recent January windows?
Last year was quiet although they did do great business in making Giorgi Chakvetadze’s loan a permanent move which will turn out to be very profitable.
In previous years they have signed the likes of Ismael Kone and Wes Hoedt who have had decent spells at the club.
Are there likely to be any notable departures?
Chakvetadze is the prize asset and a fabulous player. There will be a number of clubs monitoring the Georgia international and he will eventually go for big money, but Watford don’t tend to sell their stars in January so this one is more likely to happen in the summer.
How important is the transfer window likely to be in determining the success of their season?
It could prove to be very significant. If they keep Chakvetadze and get three or four decent ones in then the club have a more realistic chance of mounting a successful play-off challenge
The Hornets currently look set for the top 10. A January boost would increase their chances of a top-six finish.