“Fair valuation” – Watford stand firm on valuation of Everton, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa target: The verdict | OneFootball

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

Watford are standing firm on their valuation of Ismaila Sarr as the transfer deadline approaches.

That is according to Alan Nixon via Patreon, who has reported that the Hornets are holding out for a £25 million transfer fee for the 24-year-old.

That will not be good news to those hoping for a cut price deal, with Nixon reporting that the fee is too high for both Aston Villa and Crystal Palace, who are both keen on Sarr.

Everton, too, have also been linked with a move for the Senegalese international this window.

With the above valuation in mind, we asked three of our FLW writers if it was a fair valuation from the Hornets and whether or not a club could come in for Sarr ahead of Tuesday’s deadline.

Simmey Hannifin-Donaldson

I think this valuation is fair enough from Watford’s perspective.

Although Sarr’s performances of late have not been to his usual high standard for the Hornets, he did well at the World Cup, and I think that makes this a fair valuation.

Unless an offer of that nature emerges, the club are better off keeping hold of Sarr until the summer, with the player a match winner on his day, which could come in handy if the Hornets make the Championship play-offs.

I can’t see anyone matching that valuation, but with Premier League clubs down the bottom desperate to strengthen, there is always a possibility somebody makes a late attempt to sign the player.

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Declan Harte

Watford have every right to hold out for as much as they can when it comes to such an important player in the squad.

It’s hard to see someone coming in for him at that price at this stage, but the likes of Everton could very well reignite their interest if other transfer plans fall through.

The Toffees are clearly searching for a new attacking player, so could yet turn to the Senegal international in the last hours of the window.

But it is hard to imagine Watford selling at this stage given how little time they would have to sort out an adequate replacement, as well as how damaging it could be to lose Sarr in their promotion fight.

Ned Holmes

Watford are completely within their rights to stand firm over Ismaila Sarr’s valuation.

He may be in the final 18 months of his contract but the Senegal international is a fantastic player and has the talent to thrive in a European top league – as we’ve seen him do before.

The Hornets have already lost Joao Pedro to injury and letting Sarr go would dent their promotion hopes further while there appear to be a raft of top flight clubs interested so there is no reason they’d look to cash in cheaply.

When you look at the cost of some of the deals Premier League clubs are doing and what the 24-year-old offers, it’s hard to disagree with this valuation.

At the end of the deal, Sarr’s value is decided by Watford. It’s what he’s worth to them not what chasing clubs think they should pay.