“It was a hectic time” – Watford chief discusses late transfer deals, player was ‘enthusiastic’ about switching to other team

Getting relegated from the Premier League last season, Watford had a lot of decision making to do over the summer and subsequent transfer window.

Dropping down to the Championship often comes with a need to sell, regardless of parachute payments, and moving players on who don’t want to feature in England’s second-tier.

Recruiting is also harder, as you become a less attractive team for players looking in from the outside.

In the end, Watford managed to keep some of their stars, like Ismaïla Sarr, all the while alleviating the wage bill with some important exits likes those of Ignacio Pussetto and Gerard Deulofeu, both to Udinese; deals overseen by the club’s director of football, Cristiano Giaretta.

Speaking to Messaggero Veneto, the Italian was asked about the late exits of the Argentine and Spaniard.

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He replied: “We (Watford) had to understand what we were and what we had to do. When you come from relegation, the schedules are slower. We had to build the team and it was a hectic time, with coronavirus in the background. Pussetto to Crotone was never taken into consideration.

“There were requests for Deulofeu, so it was an important effort to bring a top-tier player to Udine, and soon, we’ll see him make a difference”.

Another player who made the leap between the two Pozzo owned sides was Roberto Pereyra, who appeared eager to make the switch.

At least, that’s what Giaretta said: “He was enthusiastic. I spoke to him personally and I’m sure he’ll have a great impact. His role is the natural mezzala. He can play further up the pitch, but we are only at the beginning and you’ll see what when the team clicks, it’ll be fun”.

In the end, it was another transfer window promoting the so-called synergy between the two clubs, with Udinese benefitting more this time around than in previous summers.