Last summer, Watford took Ozan Tufan on a season-long loan deal from Fenerbahçe and as a part of the deal, the Hornets confirmed they had an option to buy the midfielder.
The 26-year-old made nine appearances in all competitions for the English club this season.
On February 2nd, Watford confirmed the Turkey international’s season-long loan deal has been “terminated by mutual consent between the two clubs”.
The Süper Lig side also issued a statement, stating the player will “continue his career in Fenerbahçe for the remaining part of the season”.
Vítor Pereira was Fenerbahçe’s manager when the midfielder moved to Vicarage Road on a loan deal last August. Pereira was sacked and replaced by İsmail Kartal, and the current coach requested to bring Tufan back to the club.
Regarding our player Ozan Tufan
It has been agreed by the involved Parties that our player Ozan Tufan, who has been temporarily transferred to Watford FC in the 2021/2022 summer transfer window, will continue his career in Fenerbahçe for the remaining part of the season. pic.twitter.com/zOb87nkAC2 — Fenerbahçe English (@Fenerbahce_EN) February 2, 2022
That’s according to Hürriyet, who state Roy Hodgson’s side paid a €2m loan fee to take the player. As part of the deal, it’s stated they have to pay an additional €7m, if they continue in the Premier League next season.
Despite the midfielder’s return, Hürriyet claim ‘the agreement between Fenerbahçe and Watford will continue to be valid under the current conditions’. In other words, Watford will have to pay €7m to the Turkish club, if they manage to stay in the top flight.
Hürriyet’s report is also echoed by Sabah. Although Tufan is now with the Istanbul club, Watford will be obliged to buy him, should they finish the season in 17th spot or above.
Watford are currently 19th in the table with 12 points from 20 matches, trailing 18th placed Newcastle United [21 matches] by a point and two points behind 17th placed Norwich City [22 matches].
