“He was offered…” – Club owner wanted Watford man back, staff turned down chance to sign him

Before his €10m transfer to Watford back in 2021, Imrân Louza was the start of the show at FC Nantes, which is why they cashed in when they did.

Since joining the Hornets, the midfielder has found himself in and out of plans at Vicarage Road, with this January seeing him linked with a move away, which he eventually got, being loaned out to Lorient.

The 24-year-old has since been a breath of fresh air for the Ligue 1 side, scoring a goal and picking up two assists in his first two games, but he also had the chance to return to Nantes, as revealed by journalist Jean-Marcel Boudard revealed on the Sans Contrôle podcast, relayed by MSN.

He said: “Pierre Aristouy wanted him last summer. He was offered to Nantes again this winter. Waldemar Kita wanted him but the coaching staff and management did not. Why isn’t he back? Because he’s not a number 10 and because he plays deeper where there are a lot of players.”

Following his move to Watford, Louza made 60 appearances for the Hornets, scoring six goals and seven assists.

That was a bit of a difference from his 12 goals and six assists in his 66 games for Nantes.

Either way, Louza had the chance to go back, but the club simply said no to the Watford man, leading him to Lorient instead.