While everyone is preoccupied with the World Cup shenanigans in Russia, Premier League club Watford may have just done what turns out to be one of the best bits of business in the summer transfer window.
Barcelona announced on Monday said they have sold the Spanish striker Gerard Deulofeu to the London side — where he had been on loan since January — for 13 million euros.
“FC Barcelona and Watford FC have reached agreement on the transfer of Gerard Deulofeu to the English club,” a Barca statement said.
The 24-year-old, who did not make the Spanish squad for the global showpiece which kicks off on Thursday but has won four caps, has signed a five-year deal as Watford have begun their annual stay-in-the-top-flight project early.
He scored one goal in seven games for the Hornets last season and, of course, it is not the kind of deal to win the Premier League title à la Leicester City in 2016, but the youngster will have settled after his six months in London and is just the sort of signing who will help hoist a lowly club to middle-table safety.
With anyone outside the — what it is these days? – ‘big six’ in danger of relegation next season, I expect Watford to be safely ensconced in the top half by January if they keep up with this forward-thinking mindset while their rivals will inevitably panic buy after the World Cup and end up with duds.
