Odion Ighalo quickly scaled the ranks with his impeccable finishing and his partnership with Troy Deeney became the subject of fables for the Watford fans who were delighted with their team finishing in the 12th place in a season where many had touted them for the drop. The two attackers up top were pivotal to this success and hence the expectation was extremely high from the duo.
But the two of them have simply failed to take off this season. While Deeney has been somewhat impressive in patches, Ighalo has had a shocking dip in form. Having scored just 2 goals in the last 12 months, it seems that the Hornets are considering accepting an offer from China for the marksman.
Ighalo had earlier declined to join the Far East revolution last summer when Shanghai SIPG tabled an incredible £37.5m bid. They have now come back with an offer and want to pair him with Carlos Tevez who recently joined on world record fees.
Watford might opt to accept the offer this time around and with the cash, can well look for options. Let us take a look at the players they can replace Ighalo with, in case he leaves.
MANOLO GABBIADINI
As far as the Italian forward’s attributes are concerned, he seems to be tailor-made for Walter Mazzarri’s style of football. The 25-year-old is superior to most Watford players both technically and tactically.
Although a preferred number 9, his versatility and hard work helps him to play anywhere in the attacking third. Always looking to get into dangerous positions, he could strive with good link-up play with the likes of Niang and Deeney. He could be a wise buy and with the cash, Watford can well afford to outbid potential suitors.
BOJAN KRKIC
The Stoke City attacker has been linked with a move away from the club for a few weeks now. He has fallen down the pecking order after the emergence of Joe Allen in an advanced role and will seek a move elsewhere with regular football looking difficult to get now.
His class and finesse with the ball at his feet will elevate the Watford attack. The former Barcelona player has played with the best and can bring in bits of inputs and a getting regular game time will help him get over this period of stagnation.
SCOTT HOGAN
The Brentford striker is on the radar of a number of Premier League clubs but Watford can very well swoop in at this point. He has scored an impressive 14 goals already this season and although he came on from the bench against Chelsea, the club are preparing for life without him. Hogan can complement Deeney up front and can also play as a lone striker. He might not be the tallest but is physical enough to take the brunt of the League.
