Watford FC backed to land Vakoun Bayo "upgrade" in the form of 22-goal striker | OneFootball

FLW's Hornets fan pundit wants to see forward upgrades at Vicarage Road - and is prepared to take the gamble

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk‘ series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

As the transfer window heats up, Watford appear to be closing in on Danish striker Luca Kjerrumgaard - but it's not a straightforward move.

The 22-year-old, who netted 22 goals last season for OB in Denmark’s second tier, is set to join Italian side Udinese first, before being loaned to Watford as part of a Pozzo family arrangement between the two clubs.

With the Hornets in full rebuild mode under new head coach Paulo Pezzolano, fans are watching each addition closely - especially in the forward line.

Watford struggled for goals last season and are yet to replace outgoing strikers with consistent firepower. Kjerrumgaard's record is promising, but this would be his first test in a more competitive league.

Watford FC target goal threat as fresh Championship campaign approaches

It’s another bold attacking addition for new head coach Paulo Pezzolano, who is overseeing a busy summer rebuild at Vicarage Road.

But the move raises questions: can a player with no experience outside Scandinavia step up to the demands of the Championship? And after recent misses up front, should Watford instead be focusing on a more proven centre-forward?

Football League World put that to resident Watford fan pundit Justin Beattie - is this the kind of striker he’s happy to see the Hornets take a chance on or should the club be aiming for someone with a stronger track record at this level?

“So regarding this particular signing, I think this is probably going to be our attempt at getting our main new striker in,” Beattie told FLW.

“I think the others that we've brought in over the summer are likely to be longer projects or on the bench.

"With regards to the club signing a more experienced centre-forward, I think anything has to be an improvement on what we had for the past two seasons in Vakoun Bayo, who just was not the answer and wasn't what we needed.

“So, the fan requirement for having any kind of upgrade on Bayo is very evident.

“I think that bringing in a striker that scored 22 goals last season, although it was in Denmark's second tier, if the head coach and the Director of Football think he's going to work out, then it's got to be an upgrade on what we had last season.”

Watford FC gambling on Championship breakthrough for Kjerrumgaard

Watford’s search for a reliable striker has become one of the defining stories of recent windows, with the likes of Vakoun Bayo and Daniel Jebbison failing to make the desired impact.

In that context, the arrival of a confident, physical forward with a proven eye for goal - even at a lower level - feels like a calculated risk worth taking.

At 6ft 2in, Kjerrumgaard offers the kind of presence up front that Pezzolano’s system may benefit from, especially if the club can give him time to adjust to the English game.

If the move is completed and he settles quickly, Watford could finally have the forward they've been searching for - and a real boost in their push for the top six.