Watford have made two signings so far ahead of the 2019-20 season – Craig Dawson from West Brom and 18-year-old Brazilian striker Joao Pedro. But, manager Javi Gracia will know that he will need a few more additions if he is to replicate last season’s 11th place finish in the Premier League as teams around them have already invested big money on new acquisitions.
The Hornets are reportedly interested in bringing young French winger Allan Saint-Maximin to the club, who currently plays for French side Nice in Ligue 1. A report in Sky Sports has revealed that the Premier League side are willing to spend £25 million on the 22-year-old, which will be a club-record fee. The report further goes on to reveal that the youngster is no longer an important player for Nice manager Patrick Vieira and that the French side will be willing to let go of him.
His current contract with the French side expires in three years in 2022.
Saint-Maximin joined Nice from Monaco and has had two good seasons for the club, scoring 11 goals and providing 14 assists in 74 games for the club. The player was also a part of the French U-21 side.
What will he add to the team?
Saint-Maximin is a talented young player who has a lot of potential to become a very good player in the Premier League. The 22-year-old is a winger who can play on the left or right side and likes to cut inside and move into central areas.
A good dribbler and one who strives to constantly get past the opposition defender, Saint-Maximin is a player who can be a menace for the opposition on his day. The right-footed player even has good passing ability and is always keen on playing on the front foot and making long passes forwards.
Saint-Maximin is a player who could be deadly during counter-attacking situations with his pace and direct running. In the 2018-19 season, he made an average of 7.4 dribbles a game in Ligue 1 and had an average of 25.4 passes a game.
He is a player who could be vital for Watford who are lacking players in the wide areas and is one who could become even better in the years to come.
