It’s been a week since Watford’s squad met their new head coach, Paulo Pezzolano, and began pre-season training, concentrating on building physical fitness despite challenging heat conditions.
Pezzolano, the 21st manager at Vicarage Road since Gino Pozzo took ownership in 2012, appeared at the first team meeting with a translator, speaking broken English while actively adapting to a new culture.
His appeal partly stemmed from his recent promotions in Brazil’s and Spain’s second divisions, setting him apart from other candidates who may have had more direct Championship experience to replace Tom Cleverley.
New arrivals Hector Kyprianou, Nathan Baxter, and Marc Bola have joined the squad, potentially pushing some current players toward the fringes while covering for those who left at season’s end.
Cleverley’s stint ended with Watford recording the lowest points tally since the start of 2025 in the Championship, leading Pozzo, consistent in his approach to managerial changes, to dismiss him.
Pezzolano has been granted the pre-season to instill his philosophy and build rapport with the players. However, winning back fans’ trust in the ownership remains a tough challenge, with activity in the transfer market seen as the best way forward.
The club has generated substantial income from selling players who developed well at Watford, ranking among the top clubs for transfer profits over the past five years.
Still, investment in new signings from the owners has been cautious, with many attributing this frugality to their ties to Udinese and a commitment to a transfer model focused on acquiring promising free talents to develop.
Though Pozzo is close to selling Udinese, a shift toward increased spending seems unlikely, despite promises from the sporting director to bring in significant attacking reinforcements.
According to Sky Sports, Watford’s fourth signing this window may soon be Udinese striker Vivaldo Semedo. A five-year contract is reportedly planned, with Transfermarkt valuing him just under £1 million.
While Pozzo prefers minimal outlay, Udinese and Watford continue to leverage their relationship through player exchanges — a strategic advantage Pozzo is keen to maintain in coming years.
Semedo, 20, spent last season on loan at Vizela in Portugal’s second division, scoring nine goals and assisting four in 25 appearances, including 15 starts.
He impressed in Sporting Lisbon’s youth system before moving on loan to Vizela, who finished third but missed promotion after playoff defeat.
Semedo cited former Watford player Domingos Quina as influential in his decision to join the club, sharing how Quina praised Watford’s professionalism and supportive fans.
With Vakoun Bayo departing after scoring 10 goals and young Mamadou Doumbia unlikely to reach the numbers needed for promotion, bolstering attacking options has been critical.
Mileta Rajovic returns to Watford after a loan in Denmark, though it’s uncertain how much he has developed.
Signing Semedo could face similar challenges Watford encountered when Doumbia led the attack, and Cleverley’s side struggled.
A striker with Championship experience remains an obvious choice to rejuvenate Watford’s attacking threat, which once helped stabilize them in the Premier League.
If Semedo joins, it would partially address fans’ long-standing demand for a proven goal-scorer, but the club will continue seeking further attacking reinforcements for Pezzolano’s first season.
Whether these moves will be enough to challenge for a play-off spot remains uncertain.
Regarding Imran Louza, although Watford would command a high fee if he departs, they are unlikely to spend heavily on a direct replacement.
The Moroccan international has requested a transfer amid Ligue 1 interest, despite having three years left on his contract.
Sky Sports reports no issues with the new manager influenced his decision; Louza has participated in early pre-season alongside Pezzolano.
After a slow start with the Under-21s, Louza became a key midfielder, praised for his composure and forward passing. His aggressive, ball-winning style led him to rank among the Championship’s top midfielders in fouls committed.
Louza is familiar with French football, having risen through Nantes’ academy and a brief loan spell at Lorient.
New signing Hector Kyprianou will be vital in filling Louza’s role. The Cyprus international gained valuable experience over three seasons with Peterborough United, including a memorable goal securing their second consecutive EFL Trophy.
Watford acted swiftly to sign Kyprianou, impressed by his potential to step up.
While veterans Tom Ince and Moussa Sissoko remain important, Kyprianou’s youthful energy and experience provide a promising foundation for the squad.
On Joao Pedro, Chelsea have beaten Newcastle to his signature from Brighton, with a deal reportedly exceeding £50 million.
Watford, having sold Pedro to Brighton for £35 million in 2023, will receive about £4 million from a sell-on clause.
Despite a possible Semedo signing, acquiring a proven, inspirational striker remains a priority.
Watford should avoid delaying key signings as the squad begins to gel and some players risk losing favor ahead of the new campaign.
Pezzolano’s influence over transfers appears limited despite his global football experience; his immediate focus is preparing the existing squad for Watford’s fourth Championship season.
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