Watford decision on striker ‘came as a surprise’ to squad – ‘Hasty announcement’ caught club out

With the club in the middle of a relegation battle, making signings was key for Watford this month.

Nigel Pearson will have been keen to add to his squad and potentially find the player that could make the difference in the Hornets battle against the drop.

He’s been given that in some ways, with Ignacio Pussetto and Joao Pedro both arriving to bolster his forward line.

His squad has also been bolstered by the return of several loan players, with forward Adalberto Peñaranda among them.

The Venezuelan was out on loan at Eupen but had only made seven appearances in all competitions, so the Hornets decided to cut his spell short.

Except, it seems Eupen were not aware that was their intention. According to Grenzecho, the club had expected Peñaranda to stay at the club and had even announced as such in a press release earlier in the week.

Then on Wednesday, Watford released a video that showed the forward training back in England and very much as part of their squad, which ‘came as a surprise’ to Eupen.

Watford have now apologised for the ‘hasty announcement’, having seemingly forgotten they had to inform someone they were taking their player back.

Eupen have since signed Smail Prevljak to replace Peñaranda, so they’ve probably forgiven Watford this transgression.