Transfer story
Come January, even the mid-tier fringe teams remain busy on singling out their transfer targets for the second half of the season. Err, but Marco Silva doesn’t look like he is managing some mid-tier club, does he?
Silva is one of the most charismatic managers in the league, who leads his team with dire passion and determination to succeed. His wily tactics have seen Watford finish around half the season on the ninth position, which is a good return.
The Portuguese manager has slowly but steadily graphed Watford’s progress this season and a lot of it has been due to the attacking football that they prefer to play. Consequently, though, Watford end up conceding more number of goals. This strategy hurts them against the big clubs who take advantage by attacking on the counter or pressing high up on the pitch.
Watford do not seem to have capable goalkeepers in the squad currently and though Heurelho Gomes has delivered from time to time, he is 36 already. Gomes would not be at Vicarage forever and hence the gaffer is looking for a long-term replacement.
The Player
Hence, Swedish starlet Pontus Dahlberg has been linked with a move to England now. Dahlberg has been on Arsenal’s radar too and both Arsene Wenger and Marco Silva think of him being long-term replacements to their ageing goalkeepers.
Silva has reportedly asked the board to make a move as soon as possible considering IFK Goteborg’s crunch financial situation. Göteborg are fighting a financial battle as they are finding it difficult to cope with the demands that come with playing in a top-tier league.
Watford can take due advantage of this situation as Göteborg are ready to sell the player for a fee as low as 3 million pounds. In an inflated market such as this, Watford would hate to miss even a sniff of the opportunity to sign the talented goalkeeper.
Pontus Dahlberg has risen to prominence quite early as he is just eighteen years of age. What sets him apart is the fact that he has already played 29 games for his team in the Swedish top division. Dahlberg has a tall frame and possesses good reflexes.
His shot stopping abilities have been honed at Göteborg since long and hence he has been on the transfer wish list of many teams. A move away from Sweden will do his talent justice, as he will have the chance to play with and against the best talents from all over Europe.
Deal or No Deal?
Watford has an opportunity to book a Europa League place for them and this prospect can surely lure Dahlberg to them. However, the fact that we have not seen much of the player raises concern over whether or not this deal will work out.
But, a 3 million pound risk is worth taking, isn’t it?
