Watford: Ismaïla Sarr looking to raise his market value at the 2022 World Cup
Ismaïla Sarr needs to make the most of the 2022 World Cup to finally leave Watford, where he has played since his move from Rennes in 2019.
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When he signed for Watford from Rennes in 2019, Ismaïla Sarr thought he had found a stepping stone to a move to one of England's or Europe's big clubs. Instead he found a yo-yo ride between the Premier League and the Championship. He was relegated in his first year, came back up the following season... and went down again. Wanted by the big English clubs after a spectacular start with the Hornets, the Senegal international (47 caps, 10 goals) has gradually become less attractive to suitors. Even so, the 2022 World Cup could be a dream chance to (finally) leave Watford. Aston Villa and Crystal Palace, who wanted him in the summer transfer window, still have an eye on him. His contract situation could also help, as it runs out in June 2024.
"Aston Villa will certainly be following him during the World Cup in Qatar. I know Crystal Palace are very interested in him, and obviously Man United tried to take him on loan a few years ago. So I wouldn't be surprised if other clubs, bigger clubs too, have him in their sights, possibly if his price drops. But maybe it will first be a move to a smaller Premier League club, then to a bigger club, though I honestly think he's good enough to play for the big clubs," English journalist Ed Aarons said on GiveMeSport. It is up to Ismaïla Sarr now.
Still better in the Championship, a telling sign?
If Ismaïla Sarr, who is in his fourth season with Watford, is still stuck at the Yellow and Black, it is also down to his lack of consistency at the top level. This season, the Senegalese has an excellent record of 5 goals and 4 assists in 13 games in the Championship. In 2021-2022, in the Premier League, by contrast, he scored only five goals and provided two assists. In 2020-2021, in the Championship, the 24-year-old carried Watford with 13 goals and 4 assists. That contrasts with his first season in the Premier League (5 goals and 5 assists). The numbers suggest that the player who developed at Génération Foot is better in the English second tier.
However, it must also be acknowledged that injuries have not spared the former Rennes man. Since arriving in England in 2019, Ismaïla Sarr has missed 112 days through injury, which has also stopped him from showing his full potential. The 2022 World Cup could therefore be a first turning point in his young career.