Watford Set to Sign Jeremy Petris as Ryan Andrews’ Replacement

Watford agreed to a deal with Charleroi for Jeremy Petris for €2 million plus add-ons. Petris will be a direct replacement for right-back Ryan Andrews, who left earlier on deadline day.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Watford moved quickly for Jeremy Petris after Ryan Andrews left. The 27-year-old French right-back will join from Belgian club Charleroi after impressing last season with his defending and attacking play. Petris joined Charleroi from Levski Sofia halfway through the 2023/24 campaign and made an immediate impact. Last season, he played 37 games, provided four assists and created 32 chances, one of the best records for a right-back in Belgium. The fee agreed is €2 million plus add-ons, a deal showing Watford’s faith in his ability to adapt to English football and help push them back towards the top end of the Championship table.

HOW DOES PETRIS FIT?

Petris is known as a modern attacking full-back, often pushing forward to help his team create chances and stretch the play. He had an impressive 67.2% tackle success rate and won 63.8% of his aerial duels last season. He also kept discipline, collecting just 10 yellow cards in 56 appearances since joining Charleroi. His experience with Charleroi in European qualifiers could be vital as Watford look to improve on last season. As of now, Watford currently sit 12th in the Championship and have started the season in mixed form, just outside of the play-off places. The team has struggled at the back following the loss of Andrews, and Petris’ qualities are aimed at swinging tight games in their favour.

WHAT NEXT FOR WATFORD AND CHARLEROI?

Petris’ signing comes at a crucial moment for Watford. Their next match is against Leeds United, who are above Watford in fourth spot, two points ahead with the Hornets in seventh. They need a result to close the gap on the play-off places, with Petris potentially thrown straight into the squad. Charleroi, meanwhile, are hit by the loss of Petris, as they have also started their Belgian Pro League campaign inconsistently. They have brought in Kevin Van Den Kerkhof to replace him and next face Genk, who sit just four points above in the mid-table battle. Both sides will hope their new full-backs settle quickly and make an impact in the upcoming games.