Watford’s 2025 gamble on Othmane Maamma is about to pay off, with the Hornets opening the door to a summer departure.
Foot Mercato report that Watford have given Maamma permission to depart this summer, if he can find someone willing to pay €15m.
From Montpellier fringe to Watford breakout star
Watford moved quickly to sign Othmane Maamma in July 2025, taking advantage of Montpellier’s relegation to tie the winger down to a deal until 2029.
At the time it looked like a smart, low-risk investment. Maamma arrived with raw talent but limited senior minutes.
And while his first months at Vicarage Road were quiet, as he struggle to impose himself early on, that has changed over the course of the season.
Since impressing at the U20 World Cup in Chile back in October, the 20-year-old has managed four goals and one assist in 23 games in the Championship.
He’s now a consistent starter for the Hornets and has regularly put in standout performances built on pace, technique and fearless dribbling. His one-on-one ability and technical quality has now made him one of Watford’s most valuable assets.
Watford open the door
According to Foot Mercato’s information, Watford have now authorised Othmane Maamma to explore a move this summer. His market value is currently just under €15m.
That is despite rejecting bids in the January transfer window for the winger.
For a 20-year-old with his trajectory, the figure could be a smart one. Clubs across Europe have been alerted to his availability. Multiple Ligue 1 clubs have already contacted his representatives. Several Premier League clubs are also monitoring the situation closely.
Watford always knew that interest would come at some point. They didn’t expect Maamma to grow into a player that would command top flight attention so soon. But he is, and they’re preparing for an exit.
What comes next for Watford
Othmane Maamma, for his part, is focused on earning a place in Morocco’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
That could leave Watford with something of a dilemma. Do they sell early or, hope Maamma is in the squad and gets his chance to shine on the big stage. The latter could increase his value and their profits considerably.
With interest rising and the club open to a sale, the summer window promises to be lively anyway. The question for Watford is how to maximise their return on a player who has gone from hidden gem to headline attraction this season.
