Watford have strengthened their side by roping in Kiko Femenia from Alaves on a five-year deal. The Spaniard right back will don the Hornets jersey in the next season as Marco Silva has been preparing for a new campaign.
Femenia has earlier plied his trade for Barcelona B and Real Madrid B and has shot to fame during his stint with Alaves. He was one of the main players who helped the La Liga side to achieve promotion from the La Liga 2 in the 2015/16 season. He was an influential part of Mauricio Pellegrino’s strategy as Alaves maintained a pretty decent run in the La Liga.
Femenia will now follow the suit of his former coach Pellegrino by coming to the Premier League who has been hired by Southampton in this season. The 26-year-old used to be a winger but has changed his position and shifted to a more defensive right back. However, he is still very productive by using his offensive antics and we could see him thrive in that role in the Premier League this season.
Femenia was offered a contract extension but the player preferred to opt for a new challenge in the Premier League. The Spaniard came through the youth system of Hercules and his impressive display saw him promoted to the senior team.
After spending three years with the club he decided to give his career a significant break by moving to Barcelona B. He then had two brief spells with both Barcelona and Real Madrid reserve teams but his intention was to make his presence felt in the top tier which prompted him to make a move to Alaves.
Watford appointed Marco Silva as their new manager and the gaffer sanctioned his move. The Hornets had their ups and downs in the last season but Silva has been handed the responsibility to give the supporters something to cheer for.
The right back notched up 77 appearances in the two seasons for Alaves and would be hoping to replicate his form. Watford made a statement regarding his signature. “The Hornets are delighted to confirm the signing of Spanish right-back Kiko Femenía.
The 26-year-old, who was most recently with La Liga outfit Alavés, has agreed on a four-year deal at Vicarage Road.”
Watford were lucky to survive the relegation scare last season and Silva will be determined to put a decent effort next season. Plugging the holes in the defence has been one of the priorities for the new manager and the arrival of Femenia gives an indication of that.
