Watford plotting transfer move for 8-cap international striker | OneFootball

Watford are considering a late transfer window swoop for Canada international striker Iké Ugbo, according to All Nigeria Soccer.

Sources in the country of Ugbo’s parents have claimed that the Hornets are potentially looking to bolster their attacking options even further with the 24-year-old following the arrival of Benfica loanee Henrique Araujo.

Ugbo, who is a Chelsea academy graduate and an England youth international at two different levels, went on loan to three different clubs in the EFL earlier in his career before European loan stints in the Netherlands and Belgium with Roda JC and Cercle Brugge respectively.

The forward departed Stamford Bridge on a full-time basis in the summer of 2021 for Genk, but after just half a season in Belgium he made a temporary switch to Troyes of France, which soon became permanent after five goals in 14 league appearances.

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Ugbo, who was in Canada’s recent FIFA World Cup squad and has played eight times at senior level, has scored just once in 14 Ligue 1 matches for Troyes this season, with all-but four of those outings coming from the bench.

The report claims that despite Watford’s interest though, they may have to move a current player on before making an official approach for Ugbo.

The Verdict

With Rey Manaj injured and not impressing even when he was fit, Vakoun Bayo not being at all convincing in-front of goal and Keinan Davis struggling with injuries too, it is no surprise that Slaven Bilic wants another striker before the window slams shut.

And despite not showing his best form for Troyes this season, Ugbo could be a smart pick-up for the Hertfordshire side.

The Canadian international has plenty of pace and has shown at previous clubs – and Troyes last season – that he does indeed have an eye for goal.

The top tier of French football is a decent level and Ugbo showed last season that he could chip in with some key goals, so there’s no reason why he couldn’t do it at Vicarage Road.