“Have to get it right” - Watford sent firm transfer message as owners seek fresh investment | OneFootball

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Watford are looking to raise £17.5m as they seek new investment into the club, which will give Tom Cleverley more money to work with in the transfer market.

The Hornets have just finished their second successive year outside the Premier League, so the parachute payments that they had been receiving are reduced.

It was a disappointing season for the team, as they languished in mid-table, with former player Cleverley appointed as Valerien Ismael’s successor earlier this year.

The aim for the Pozzo family remains to take the club back to the top-flight, but it appears they are seeking help when it comes to improving the squad this summer.

Watford owners open to selling 10% stake in club

That’s after it was announced that the club would sell shares of the club, up to 10%, to fans or investors in a bid to raise around £17.5m - and those funds would be given to help the club compete in the market.

It’s an unusual approach for a club in English football, but the prospect of owning a part of the club may appeal to supporters, even if they will have no say in any of the decisions made at Vicarage Road.

Given the wealth of the Pozzo family, it has raised questions about whether they should be asking the fans for financial help. However, they would no doubt point out the level of investment they have provided over the years.

Watford urged to improve recruitment

Yet, speaking to FLW, Watford fan pundit Justin explained that he has no issues with the money that the owners have put into the club since they took over, but he does feel a change in the recruitment strategy is required, no matter where the funding comes from.

“I think the current owners have invested an awful lot of money in the playing squad during their time in charge, but they haven’t always spent it particularly wisely.

“We have had some very good players during their tenure, but we’ve also had some that have hardly played a lot, some that are not suited to the style of play, and some that will not be regarded as legends in the future.

“So, whilst they have put money into the club, I don’t think they’ve ever been that great at recruitment, and that’s something they have to get right now because the parachute payments have ceased, so we’re very much on our own now in terms of money. They have to get it right and recruit smartly rather than heavily.”

Watford’s summer transfer plans

It remains to be seen what sort of budget Cleverley is working with this summer, but he will be hoping to be busy.

Plus, the Hornets may struggle to retain some key men, such as Isamel Kone, who is on the radar of Roma, and Yaser Asprilla, which will alter the funds he has available, even if they need to be replaced.

So, there are a lot of moving parts for Watford, but, as outlined above, they do need to improve in the market.

The examples of Kone and Asprilla show that the club are capable of identifying talented young players, and fans will be hoping for more of the same, as there’s no denying they have been hit-and-miss over the years.