“I do not think we’ve seen him at his best enough” – Should Watford pursue Aston Villa transfer agreement this summer? 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…

On the 13th August, Aston Villa forward Keinan Davis headed to Watford on loan.

It was a deal that excited many supporters who had seen Davis play a role in helping Nottingham Forest earn promotion via the play-offs in 2021/22.

Davis joined on a season-long loan, with The Athletic reporting that the deal includes the option to make it permanent at the end of the season.

There have also been reports suggesting the club are obliged to purchase Davis should they win promotion to the Premier League.

There is still plenty of time in the season remaining, but at this stage, we thought we’d ask three of our FLW writers for their thoughts on Davis’ performances for the Hornets so far, and whether or not they think the club should be looking to tie up a permanent deal come the summer, regardless of what division they find themselves in.

Simmey Hannifin-Donaldson

Keinan Davis is undoubtedly a talented forward. We have seen it at times this season for Watford that when he is at his best, there are not many defenders in the division that can handle him.

The problem is, however, I do not think we’ve seen him at his best enough.

Of course, his lack of goals is a concern, but you can forgive that if he is holding the ball up, bringing the side up the pitch and bringing others into play as he has done at times.

At other times, though, like at Reading this past weekend, he sometimes gets too deep in search of the ball and the game bypasses him, albeit he was deployed in a number 10 role on Saturday.

I think Davis is best in a side where he is the main man and things are played to his strengths, but with the likes of Joao Pedro and Ismaila Sarr at Vicarage Road, that just isn’t going to happen and it does just feel that generally, the Hornets aren’t getting the best out of him.

Personally, at this moment in time I wouldn’t be looking to do a permanent deal for Davis in the summer (forgetting the reported obligation for a second) unless in the second half of the season, Watford can get more out of the player, and Davis can offer more to this side.

At the minute, it feels like neither the club nor Davis are getting what they wanted from this arrangement, and with the arrival of Henrique Araujo on loan from Benfica, I do worry for the Villa loanee’s game time moving forward if the Portuguese forward hits the ground running.

There’s no doubting Watford have a real asset on their hands – they just need to work out how to best utilise him in their side.

There is undoubtedly more to come this season from the 24-year-old.

Quiz: What shirt number are these 25 current Watford players?

1 of 25

What is Joao Pedro's shirt number?

10 9 8 12

Ben Wignall

When you take away the fact that Davis will probably never be a prolific goalscorer, the Aston Villa loanee is doing just fine for Watford.

His physical strength and hold-up abilities brings Watford’s other attackers into the game as defenders are busy occupying him, so he brings a lot more to the table than just his goals.

Of course, it’s a bit of a worry that he has not scored since late October, but he will surely find his goalscoring touch in time if he’s given the service.

As for a potential permanent arrival at Vicarage Road, reports suggest that the Hornets are obligated to sign him for £15 million if they are promoted, which is a pretty steep fee for a not-so prolific forward.

Should they not get promoted though, Watford should probably look to sign Davis permanently, but not for the price quoted – if they can get it lowered to the £5-10 million mark then that would be more reasonable.

James Reeves

It feels a little too early to say definitively whether Watford should sign Davis permanently in the summer.

Davis has done well at Vicarage Road and his all-round game has been important for the Hornets, albeit four goals in 20 games is not the most prolific return.

Much will likely depend on what division the club are in next season.

With pressure also building on Slaven Bilic, his potential departure could have an impact on the situation.