Watford Agree Deal For Nampalys Mendy On Free Transfer

Watford have agreed to sign Nampalys Mendy, an experienced midfielder, for free. He will have his medical check in London on Wednesday and is likely to sign a one-year contract, with an optional second year.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Watford needed a midfielder and quickly arranged a deal with Mendy after he left Leicester City. They lack defensive players in midfield, with Imran Louza suspended and Pierre Dwomoh injured. Mendy, a 34-time Senegal international, will add much-needed maturity alongside Hector Kyprianou, Moussa Sissoko, and Edo Kayembe.

Watford drew 1-1 with Swansea and currently sit 12th in the Championship. However, Mendy’s arrival could help them with a push towards the top half of the table with his proven experience, which aligns with the club’s aim to improve their defensive record and challenge for a spot in the playoff positions.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Mendy arrives at Watford after spending the final part of his Leicester career playing regularly in the Premier League. He featured in 14 top-flight matches last season, where his defensive capabilities and leadership qualities were clear to see. Those traits will be essential at Watford as the club deals with injuries and suspensions in a vital area of the field. The Hornets’ season has so far been mixed, as two wins and two defeats in their opening four matches leave them with 6 points. Even so, that leaves them only 4 points behind the playoffs early on. Their concession of 5 goals in those games is also not too bad given the lack of options for Paulo Pezzolano in the middle of the park. However, Mendy’s experience at the highest level will only boost their hopes of a strong season.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Mendy should undergo his medical on Wednesday and soon be in line for his debut. After that, the pivotal fixtures keep on coming for Watford, who face opponents desperate to spoil the party in the coming weeks. Their next match is against Preston North End, who are three places below them in the Championship standings. The club will hope to avoid an upset there, as winning could close the gap to Norwich in the playoffs to just 1 point.