In what has easily been the most bizarre news of the current transfer window, English outfit Watford decided to part ways with their manager Marco Silva, even as the Hornets are comfortably positioned in the 10th place in the points table. The club will now be busy trying to add a few players, but might also see a few quit the club.
One such player who is on his way out of the club is defender Jose Holebas. According to reports, the 33-year old, who signed a contract extension at Watford not too long ago, is now wanted by Galatasaray this month. Watford are not too keen on selling him but it is understood that the Turkish outfit are confident of striking a deal before the deadline day.
So how can Watford replace him? Here are 3 replacements, short term and long term, that the Hornets need to scout for, to replace the Greece international:
Jon Flanagan (Liverpool):
The former English international, who is caught up in a common assault charge, is out of a contract at the end of the season and his current club Liverpool, are more than happy to let him leave at the end of the season on a free. But if Watford are desperate, they should make a small bid, which will be enough for Liverpool to let him go. A versatile full-back, who can play on both flanks, Flanagan has great potential and at 25, will be a star if given enough game time, which he will get at Watford.
Daley Blind (Manchester United):
The Dutch international has just not been able to impress Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford and has been constantly linked with an exit recently. He might be tempted to leave England but at 27, will want to choose a club that can play him regularly. Watford, if they sell Holebas, have a vacant left-back spot in the first team and Blind will fit in well. He is also a versatile player, who can play as a CB and is a player perfect for Watford’s style of play.
Baba Rahman (Chelsea):
The 23-year-old Ghana international is one of the most exciting stars currently at Chelsea but he is unable to break into the first team and Antonio Conte is desperately looking for clubs, that can he can send the player out on loan. He will not be sold and is not a long-term option for the Hornets but at his age, he is a player who can make an immediate impact on the squad and Watford should sign him up on loan till the end of the season when they can search for a full-back for the long term.
