With 36 points from 29 games, Watford are comfortable in the top half of the Premier League and will be happy with the returns from Javi Garcia this season. But the manager will now have to work hard to fend off interests from big clubs in players that have done well this season, in the summer transfer window.
While Richarlison is on such name who will attract interests, Watford look close to losing their star midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure, who has been instrumental in their run this season. Linked with a move with every big club in England, the 25-year old is expected to be a wanted man in the summer and could fetch heavy buck for the Hornets. So how can they replace him? Here are three players Watford should target to replace Doucoure this summer:
Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal):
The Welsh international has given Arsenal some exciting moments but has just not been consistent enough for the last few years. Reports now claim that Arsenal are ready to sell him at the end of the season, to avoid losing him on a free in 2019. Though not as hard tackling and defensive sound as Doucoure, Ramsey has enough traits to replace the 25-year old in the midfield at Vicarage Road. He might be wanted by bigger clubs in England but Watford should definitely give him a shot.
Jake Livermore (West Bromwich Albion):
The English international, who may have a role in Russia later this year, has been in decent form for West Brom and is one of the first names on the team sheet for Alan Pardew at the moment. However, the Baggies have not been able to pick up any momentum and look destined to drop come the end of the season and Livermore will definitely want to stay back in the top flight. He will surely attract interest from other clubs but the chance to play regularly in the first team might be enough to lure him to Watford.
William Carvalho (Sporting CP):
The 25-year old Portuguese international has been on West Ham’s radar for over a year now and it looks like Sporting are finally ready to let him leave this summer. He will not be easy to lure out of Portugal and is a like for like replacement for Doucoure in the midfield for Watford. At just 25, he is as good an option as Garcia can find in the transfer market and they should put most of what they get from Doucoure’s sale in the purchase of Carvalho.
