Watford have Yaser Asprilla protection as Inter Milan come calling: View | OneFootball

New Watford head coach Tom Cleverley has a lot on his plate as he prepares for the 2024/25 campaign.

One big issue facing the Hornets boss is the future of star man Yaser Asprilla, who has been tipped for a summer transfer in the coming months.

The 21-year-old Colombian international once again showed glimpses of exceptional talent in 2023/24 despite a distinctly average season for Watford, and made progress to the point that the general consensus among Watford supporters is that he will not be at Vicarage Road by the time a ball is next kicked in anger there.

Several clubs have been linked with Asprilla over the last year or so, as we will discuss further below, and Watford's sporting director Gianluca Nani has confirmed he is being 'monitored' by clubs.

Nani told Tutto Mercato Web when asked about Asprilla's future last month: "The summer is long and he is certainly a monitored player."

“But today the boy just has to think about playing with us, as he is doing, like so many others.”

Following those comments, Nani has also recently compared Asprilla to Jude Bellingham, telling Calcio Mercato: "A new Bellingham could be Asprilla, in Watford."

"He is an attacking midfielder who plays the two phases, he is not as physical as Bellingham, but he has very quick readings and an exceptional touch on the ball.

"For now I can say that he is followed by many clubs."

Now, in recent days, Italian giants Inter Milan have been linked with the young star's signature.

Watford have Yaser Asprilla protection

Fortunately for Watford, with Inter Milan circling, the club are in a strong position this summer for a couple of reasons.

First and foremost, that is because they have the protection of Yaser Asprilla's contract.

Having signed the young Colombian talent back in 2021, Watford ensured they secured his services on a long-term basis, and with Asprilla eventually arriving at Vicarage Road in 2022, his four-year contract began, which does not expire until 2026.

This means that Watford are not forced to cash in on Asprilla this summer, and gives them an element of bargaining power when it comes to negotiating any potential bids that may arrive.

This is not to say that Watford are protected from selling the player, or that they will look to keep hold of Asprilla into next season, but simply that they will not be low-balled or forced into selling him for a fee that they do not find fair and satisfactory.

Others linked with Asprilla

Of course, another thing in Watford's favour and offering something of protection when it comes to Asprilla's potential exit this summer is the fact that several clubs have been linked with the Colombian international.

Last summer, for example, the likes of Brighton and Hove Albion, Newcastle United, Real Madrid and Porto were being linked with a move for Asprilla, and this season, with the Colombian having developed well, further sides such as FC Barcelona and Sporting Lisbon have also been credited with an interest.

With all of those sides keen, it means that multiple bids could arrive in the coming months, again giving Watford another reason to hold firm should clubs come in with low-ball offers trying to get themselves a bargain.

Considering that, and the fact that Asprilla is contracted until 2026, Watford are somewhat protected as Inter Milan, and others, come calling.