Watford Set To Receive £25 Million Cash Windfall

Watford are preparing for their third consecutive season in the Championship this summer, but they may be forced to do so without one of their prized assets, according to recent reports.

So far, the Hornets have had a busy transfer window, signing Rocco Vata, Moussa Sissoko, and Jonathan Bond, as well as season-long loans for former Sheffield United fullback Yasser Larouci and central defender Antonio Tikvic.

However, Tom Cleverley’s preparations for the new season could be hampered as Yaser Asprilla appears to be on his way out of the club and will soon join Ligue 1 side Rennes. The Colombian playmaker was spotted arriving at the club on Thursday for a medical ahead of his move to France’s top flight.

Yaser asprilla est arrive à rennes à l’instant ! #srfc https://t.co/lAjcf2qqPk pic.twitter.com/aHaudVjZ4D

— football fan (@SRFCsupporter35) August 1, 2024

According to journalist Pipe Sierra, Watford have agreed to sell the 22-year-old for a fee of £25 million, but have included an unknown sell-on clause in the transfer agreement to provide security in the event that he leaves Rennes for a large sum. Furthermore, Sierra has reported that Asprilla will sign a four-year contract with Les Rennais, with the option to extend his stay for an additional year.

This £25 million figure is a long way from the figures that were reported in the Spanish press several months ago. Back in February, Spanish outlet Sport reported that European giants Barcelona were interested in signing the winger after extensive scouting, but the Hertfordshire club wanted between £34-43 million. However, just a few months later, Watford are set to complete his sale for significantly less than this amount.

The interest in Asprilla was unsurprising. The attacker, who can play anywhere on the frontline, had six goals and eight assists in all competitions for Watford last season, which was a turbulent season for the club.

Furthermore, the £25 million fee that the club is set to receive represents a solid piece of business by the Hornets, who purchased him for £2.5 million from Colombian side Envigado two and a half years ago. While it is not nearly as much as reported in Spain, it does provide Cleverley with the opportunity to spend some much-needed cash to strengthen his entire squad and possibly find a replacement for the player leaving.

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