Premier League 2017-18: Ranking the transfer windows of all 20 teams
By James Dudko
15. Watford
Notable Ins: Andre Gray, Tom Cleverley, Nathaniel Chalobah, Will Hughes
Notable Outs: Mario Suarez
Watford recruited a number of players this summer, but none offered the wow factor fans usually hope for from transfers. It’s also debatable whether or not the Hornets got value for money with many of their purchases.
The club paid £18 million for Burley striker Andre Gray. Meanwhile, Derby County midfield playmaker Will Hughes cost Watford a cool £8 million, as did Tom Cleverley.
Those figures equate to a significant outlay for a club usually hovering between the middle and bottom reaches of the table. It’s an investment so far not repaid by performances and production on the pitch.
Cleverley has yet to score or provide an assist after three league matches, according to WhoScored.com. At least Cleverley has played, unlike Hughes, who has yet to appear in the league.
Such struggles from the new boys may make the Hornets wish they hadn’t moved Mario Suarez on. At least Nathaniel Chalobah has made a positive early impression since making a move from Chelsea permanent.
Manager Marco Silva has so far taken Watford and his new charges to five points. However, two draws indicates the kind of struggle to decide matches likely to be a common theme of the Hornets’ season.