Watford are reportedly keeping a close eye on Swedish U-21 sensation, Pontus Dahlberg. The 18-year-old goalkeeper has garnered a lot of interest from clubs all across Europe and recent reports in Sweden claim that the agent of IFK Goteborg goalkeeper Pontus Dahlberg is set for talks with the Hornets. The youngster has caught the eye with his performances this season and has interested the likes of Everton and Sunderland as well.
Other sources have also stated that Watford have already tabled an official bid for the teenage sensation, with Expressen claiming that his days are numbered at IFK Goteborg with the goalkeeper set to depart for a record fee.
The Hornets are in talks with IFK Goteborg for a fee believed to be in the region between £2.7m and £3.6m. However, Watford boss Marco Silva could still face competition from Seria A heavyweights, Napoli.
Some sources are also reporting that the Italian side are favourites to win the race for Dahlberg’s signature and are now closing in on a deal for the 18-year-old ahead of the winter transfer window in January. Napoli are looking to land the teenage sensation for €4m in January with the Swedish youngster being loaned back immediately to IFK Goteborg for the rest of the season.
In an earlier interview, Pontus Dahlberg was questioned about his future. The goalkeeper said, “I’ll have to hear from my agent. It’s not something I’m thinking about right now, but I’ll have to think about it when it’s time. Right now I have a full focus on IFK.”
Napoli Sporting Director Cristiano Giuntoli considers the teenage goalkeeper as a ‘good investment for the future’.
Pontus Dahlberg is just 18 years old and but has already featured seven times for the U21s. His impressive performances have seen him become IFK Goteborg’s number 1 goalkeeper in the top tier of Swedish football. He has already played 29 out of their 30 league games for IFK Goteberg and has kept five clean sheets.
Watford needs someone to provide strong competition for Heurelho Gomes in the battle to secure a starting spot in Marco Silva’s first team and the 18-year-old Swedish goalkeeper fits the bill perfectly. However, it won’t be easy for the Hornets to fend off competition now that Napoli has entered the race but the lure of a regular starting spot in Marco Silva’s Watford team can be decisive for the player. Moreover, London as a city has more of an appeal than Naples in Italy.
