“It’s not a priority” – Watford consider bid swoop for 24-year-old striker: The verdict | OneFootball

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Football League World

·26 January 2023

“It’s not a priority” – Watford consider bid swoop for 24-year-old striker: The verdict

Article image:“It’s not a priority” – Watford consider bid swoop for 24-year-old striker: The verdict

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 considering a move for Troyes striker Ike Ugbo, according to a report from All Nigeria Soccer.


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The Hornets, who have recently bolstered their striking options with the arrival of Henrique Araujo on loan from Benfica, could strengthen their forward department further as they eye a move for the Ligue Un front man.

The report does suggest that the Hertfordshire club may have to sanction a player’s departure before bringing the striker to Vicarage Road.

Watford are currently battling to secure a return to the Premier League and Slaven Bilic is evidently looking to strengthen his frontline options to help achieve that objective.

Ugbo, who is a Canadian international, has appeared 14 times for the French outfit this season, starting four of these games and returning a single goal.

Three of our writers here at FLW have shared their thoughts regarding Ugbo and whether or not he would be a good addition at Vicarage Road…

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Article image:“It’s not a priority” – Watford consider bid swoop for 24-year-old striker: The verdict

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Billy Mulley

It is no surprise to see that Watford are still considering forward line options after the recent addition of Araujo, with the Hornets as the second-lowest scorers in the Championship’s top 10.

Vakoun Bayo and Rey Manaj have struggled for the Hornets this term, and whilst Keinan Davis has impressed, he is currently working his way back to full fitness.

Ugbo is a player that could make an impact as Watford chase down a Premier League return, but ultimately, there will be no guarantee of him seeing regular minutes at Vicarage Road.

Should he arrive, and Davis returns to full fitness soon, then Bilic will have some very good options available to him and that could hinder potential game time for the Canadian international.

Brett Worthington

Not sure what to think about this move from Watford.

It is understandable as to why Slaven Bilic is looking to bring in a new striker this month, as Vakoun Issouf Bayo has struggled to be convincing in front of goal. Keinan Davis and Rey Manaj have both struggled with injuries this season and haven’t quite lived up to their potential.

So it makes sense for the Hornets to want a striker this month, but it is unclear if Ike Ugbo is the answer. The striker has really struggled in front of goal in Ligue 1 for Troyes this season, but in his previous campaigns, the 24-year-old has shown he is capable of being a consistent scorer.

In the 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons, he managed to score 29 goals combined, so it does show that the striker can be clinical.

While during his time at Chelsea, he also had an eye for goal, scoring 11 times in Premier League 2. Ugbo is known to be a pacey, athletic striker, but it remains to be seen if he will be a hit in the Championship for Watford.

If it does work out, he will be a timely boost for the Hornets.

I don’t think a striker should be the priority for Watford between now and the transfer deadline.

Following the arrival of Henrique Araujo from Benfica, along with Keinan Davis, the Hornets have some decent options to start, and although depth outside Vakoun Bayo and youngster Tobi Adeyemo would be welcomed, it’s not a priority like some other positions.

Take central defence, for example, which is looking incredibly light with William Troost-Ekong’s departure confirmed and Mattie Pollock set to head out on loan.

Slaven Bilic also made it clear that he’s still keen on adding a central midfielder and another winger recently, so Watford may be best prioritising other positions for now, as opposed to going for Ike Ugbo.

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