With the transfer window storming to a close, there has been no shortage of rumours and transfers flying around. With Will Hughes on his way to Crystal Palace for an initial fee in the region of £6 million with the potential for the sum to rise to £10 million (as reported by Adam Leventhal and Dominic Fifield of The Athletic), the Hornets had no shortage of funds to bring in yet another midfielder. Now, Watford have found their next potential midfield star – a player all Premier League fans will know a considerable amount about.
Watford Set to Confirm Moussa Sissoko Arrival
Even with Peter Etebo, Imran Louza, Ozan Tufan, and Juraj Kucka arriving as midfield reinforcements upon the Hornets’ return to the Premier League, the hierarchy knows a strong, reliable, deep midfield is one of the biggest priorities in a quest for survival. With Hughes and potentially Nathaniel Chalobah departing, all of these signatures are necessary.
Still, after four central-midfielders arrived, even with the departure of Hughes, a fifth arrival was not necessarily a guarantee. However, the hierarchy swiftly acted to ensure the Hornets used those funds to sign a player who provides an upgrade in the middle of the park.
Moussa Sissoko signed for Tottenham in the summer of 2016 for around £30 million from Newcastle. A consistent member of Spurs’ match-day lineups ever since arriving, the Frenchman went on to make 202 appearances for the North London side.
However, for the 32-year-old, minutes appear fewer and further between this season, leading both the Club and the player to agreeing a departure should be sought. Watford came knocking, and now, the deal is all but finalized.
Sissoko Transfer Fee Named
The powerful midfielder, mainly characterized by his strength and ability to ensure a midfield presence is always felt, gives the Hornets a type of player they do not already have. Players such as Kucka and Etebo for sure are characterized by their tough style of play (not shying away from challenges, willing to give the extra nudge, etc.), but Sissoko is a cut above most players in the league when it comes to sheer physicality and drive.
Between Sissoko and the other arrivals, a loud midfield is shaping up. There is still a chance the Hornets try to bring in Okay Yokuslu to provide a true, natural number six. Even if they do not, Watford should now have enough in the heart of the pitch to not be dominated in the midfield like they were against Brighton.
With confirmation from the Club set to arrive soon, Adam Leventhal of The Athletic reports Sissoko’s contract with Watford is a two-year deal with the option to extend one further year. He further says that the 71-time capped French international team player is arriving for a fee in the region of £5 million. Considering he is not in the last year of his Tottenham contract, even with his age, such a fee for a player of Sissoko’s talents and experience is fair.
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