Watford have reportedly diverted their target priority to Middlesbrough full-back George Friend from Arsenal’s Kieran Gibbs now, as the Gunners’ asking price for their English left-back could be too much for the Hornets. Despite getting relegated last season, Boro had some of the best defensive performances of the lot and Friend was one of their better performers.
Watford had a terrible season to endure last year as their surprise start to the season went haywire in the second half with them finishing in the 17th position just above the relegation zone. Walter Mazzarri’s tactics have long been criticised by the fans and players alike and the club finally had to sack him at the end.
New boss Marco Silva has a challenging task at hand, although it isn’t expected to be as tough as trying to save Hull City from relegation. Silva arrived at KCOM Stadium in January the last term and had no choice but to bring in many players on loan and churn out good performances. Surprisingly, he did a decent task to defeat Manchester United and Liverpool with that under average side.
At Watford, he has yet another under average crop of players, mostly in the midfield and defence. The Hornets have conceded 68 goals last season and Silva’s first priority would be to beef his back line. In Jose Holebas, Watford had their only natural left-back last term, who is already 32 and explains the crux of the problem.
Friend could be a brilliant addition at Vicarage Road given Watford’s financial prowess in the summer transfer window. The 29-year-old was one of the consistent performers for the Teesside last term before a series of knee and calf injuries kept him sidelined for the second half of the season. However, whenever he was fit, he was the first choice for both Aitor Karanka and Steven Agnew.
Although Gibbs would be a better option at any time over Friend, Arsenal’s £15 million price tag on their second-choice full-back would be too much for Watford. To further complicate the deal, Gibbs is expecting a surge in his weekly wage from his £60, 000 – a week to £80, 000 -a week. Which makes it impossible for Watford and many other midtable clubs to provide.
Friend, although 29, would be an affordable option as Boro are asking something in the region of £8 million. The Exeter City Academy product has had his progress credited to numerous stints over the years with sides like Tiverton Town FC, Team Bath, Folkestone Invicta, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Millwall FC and Scunthorpe United before Boro picked him up in 2012.
