Transfers: Ismaïla Sarr and Watford, the end of the road...
This could be the end of the story between Ismaïla Sarr and Watford, following the club's failure to return to the Premier League.
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It is an open secret: Ismaïla Sarr is not expected to stay at Watford next season. A second consecutive year in the Championship (England’s D2) could hold him back. With his appeal to scouts still intact, Ismaïla Sarr should make the most of it and find a more exciting challenge than English kick and rush football.
While Aston Villa and Crystal Palace had already shown interest, West Ham could beat them to the deal. The Hammers are among the teams interested in Ismaïla Sarr, and the timing appears favourable: Watford are now willing to sell the Senegalese winger in the summer transfer window. West Ham, for their part, want to sign a "formidable" forward, a player described as "frightening" who has enjoyed another impressive campaign, scoring 10 goals and providing six assists. The price of Ismaïla Sarr has even been set by Watford at 20 million euros.
Ismaïla Sarr’s name is circulating beyond the Premier League. In Germany’s Bundesliga, Bayer Leverkusen are also interested. The Lion would be an ideal replacement for France international Moussa Diaby, who is on the verge of leaving the German club. After his 2019 move to the Hornets from Stade Rennais for 30 million euros, the 25-year-old Senegalese winger or forward is convinced it is time for a new challenge. Ismaïla Sarr’s contract at Vicarage Road expires at the end of next season, in 2024.
Jim CEESAY