According to reports, Watford are now weighing up a move for Ligue 1 right-back Sebastien Corchia, as new boss Marco Silva insists on strengthening his back line before they go into the pre-season. The French international has had a decent season with LOSC Lille and has caught numerous club’s attention that includes Premier League giants Arsenal.
Watford had a horrible season to endure the last term as the Hornets finished just one spot above the relegation zone. Walter Mazzarri was removed from the helm and the Italian’s parting gift was a humiliating defeat against Manchester City on the last day of the season at Vicarage Road.
Watford had a pretty under average defensive side the last term and they had to pay the price. While Mazzarri’s dynamism did keep them in the top half of the table in the first quarter of the season, they soon failed to retain the form. Watford conceded 68 goals last season, which was one of the main reasons for their free fall in the later stages.
The full-backs, especially, had been quite disappointing. There was no depth in those areas and Silva’s first move to add furthermore competition to them is quite understandable. While they have a decent option in Daryl Janmaat on the right defensive flank, his regularity irrespective of form had made him reluctant.
Corchia could be a brilliant option for the Hornets, given the players intelligent game reading abilities and agility in wide areas. He was regular for Lille last season playing 42 games in all competitions, scoring twice and assisting four times.
Although at 175cm he doesn’t possess the needed height, his superior technique and pitch-perfect passing more or less compensate for that. He isn’t afraid to move up when needed and played as the overlapping winger quite well. With a potential centre-forward like Troy Deeney and Stefano Okaka in the centre, his deliveries could produce pleasant outcomes.
An academy product of French side FC Le Mans, Corchia broke into their first team back in 2009. Two brilliant seasons and current Ligue 2 side FC Sochaux-Montbéliard wasted no time in picking him up in 2011. He established himself as a regular there and Ligue 1 came calling in three years. He moved to Lille in 2014 and has played over 120 games for them since, scoring seven goals and assisting 10 times.
Watford have reportedly made a bid of €7 million for him at the moment, although no reply is known yet. But, Corchia’s contract with the club ends next summer and the club wouldn’t want to let him go for free. He is likely to make a move this summer itself and might just be Silva’s first signing.
