Valerien Ismael says work is continuing to ensure that Watford sign a new striker before the end of the transfer window.
“We know what we have to do. I think everyone can see so it’s not a secret,” Ismael said after Watford’s 0-0 draw against Plymouth Argyle. “We are working behind the scenes to get the solution and hopefully we can get our number one target that we looking for.”
Watford have held exploratory talks with FC Midtjylland regarding striker Sory Kaba, but the move hasn’t advanced to any agreement as yet at this stage.
The Hertfordshire club are also known to be tracking Shamar Nicholson, who plays for Spartak Moscow. The 26-year-old, who is 6’4″, scored 30 goals in 76 league appearances for Charleroi during three seasons in Belgium, before joining Spartak Moscow in December 2021. Nicholson has scored 12 goals in 39 appearances in Russia, and has 10 in 33 caps for Jamaica. Watford are also considering other options.
The Hornets finished 11th last season but it is hard to feel that things could not be very different this time around following an array of fresh acquisitions.
Former Cardiff City forward Rhys Healey, who found success over in France with Toulouse, emerged as Watford’s opening summer signing back in June.
From there, Watford have brought exciting Brazilian winger Matheus Martins back to Vicarage Road on loan, recruited experienced Championship stalwarts in Tom Ince and Jake Livermore, secured Jamal Lewis on a temporary basis from Newcastle United and also made the interesting capture of Giorgi Chakvetadze.
Watford’s striker search
It has been a hugely positve summer for Watford, although it will ultimately be defined by whether or not they can seal a striker before the window slams shut at the end of this month.
Healey, of course, is a frontman by trade, but he has spent a lot of time out with injury in his career and therefore cannot be solely relied upon.
And after drawing 0-0 at home to newly-promoted outfit Plymouth Argyle on Saturday afternoon, Ismael was swift to reassure that they are proactively looking to address the shortcomings in the final third.
Valerien Ismael has so far welcomed Tom Ince, Rhys Healey, and Jake Livermore on permanent deals, whilst the likes of Jamal Lewis and Giorgi Chakvetadze have joined on loan from Newcastle United and Gent respectively.
And it looks like the Hornets are working on another signing with Leventhal revealing on Twitter that the club are in negotiations for a striker – but the striker remains nameless.
“We know what we have to do. I think everyone can see so it’s not a secret,” explained Ismael.
“We are working behind the scenes to get the solution and hopefully we can get our number one target that we looking for.”
It comes amid their interest in FC Midtjylland’s Sory Kaba, who has transpired as a transfer target for a range of Championship clubs following an impressive half-season on loan with Cardiff last time out.
But, with negotiations over in Denmark yet to advance, Watford are also monitoring Sparktak Moscow striker Shamar Nicholson, according to The Athletic.
