Jake Livermore is in advanced talks to join Watford following the expiry of his contract at West Brom [The Athletic], and the move could well come back to bite the Baggies this season.
Livermore made over 200 appearances for West Brom and made 17 league appearances last season in Carlos Corberan’s side. While he wasn’t a regular starter last season at the Hawthorns, Livermore’s experience and knowledge of the club will have been invaluable in the changing rooms, especially with the younger players at the club.
The centre-midfield player looks set to join Watford to provide experience following the departures of Tom Cleverly and Craig Cathcart, as the Hornets look to embark upon the new season with a possible new direction from their new manager, former Baggies coach, Valerien Ismael.
Livermore’s exit means the Black Country side are left with just four first-team central-midfield players at the club, which could be problematic given the hectic schedule of Championship football.
West Brom were aware Livermore would leave the club upon the expiry of his contract and were able to give him a good send-off at the end of his time there. Corberan said about Livermore: “he’s been one of the main important players for the club.
“(He was) focused to help the others with his experience and values, which give his legacy in the dressing room, that’s what he did.”
It is clear that Livermore played a big part in the West Brom dressing room and will be missed at the Hawthorns, but fans will be hoping the squad don’t miss him at the training ground too much, or his departure may well come back to bite them.
The Baggies will want to be competitive in their challenge for promotion again this season, with Watford looking for the same goal, meaning the two are likely to be battling closely throughout the season, with the Hornets now benefiting from Livermore’s experience in those battles.
Imagine Watford get promoted, that would be hard one to accept.
In other West Brom news, a trio of players have been spotted back in training for the start of pre-season
