Watford fans must surely be happy as Gino Pozzo keeps promise with £10m transfer decision and legend’s return

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Watford are quietly navigating the transfer window rather successfully this summer, and the latest decisions from the Hornets will go down well with the fans.

Another disappointing campaign in 2024/25 saw Watford fall short of their promotion aspirations and left Tom Cleverley in the firing line, with the young coach dismissed.

He’s been replaced by Paulo Pezzolano, and a number of strong signings have been made by Watford in the past few weeks to offer some hope for the season ahead.

While some may be writing Watford off, there is a good chance that, based on the latest news from Vicarage Road, they could be a team to watch in the Championship in 2025/26.

• READ MORE: Watford had a nightmare Premier League campaign in 2021/22, Paulo Pezzolano has a huge task on his hands

Watford reject Mamadou Doumbia bid from Burnley

There’s good news, first of all, in the form of a rejected bid as Watford fend off interest from Burnley in their 19-year-old forward, Mamadou Doumbia.

As per Adam Drury, the Hornets have turned down a £10m offer for the youngster and intend to keep him at the club long-term.

Doumbia joined the club last summer and, though limited to just 972 minutes across 19 games in the league, he scored two goals and offered plenty of promise.

Instead of selling Doumbia, Watford are expected to work out a new contract for the Malian and tie him down for the foreseeable future.

Ashley Young could return to Watford

If that wasn’t good enough news, Watford are also thought to be lining up a sensational return for Ashley Young, who is out of contract this summer after leaving Everton.

As per Alex Crook, the 40-year-old is thought to be “keen to return” to the club where he started his career many years ago.

Watford themselves have “no concerns” over Young’s condition, but it is said the “final decision” will fall to Pezzolano.

Young made 110 appearances for the Hornets, scoring 22 goals and adding nine assists before moving on to Aston Villa in 2007.

• READ MORE: Watford to receive seven-figure windfall from Joao Pedro £60m Chelsea transfer, they must invest it wisely

Gino Pozzo’s promise to Watford fans

When Watford owner Gino Pozzo sacked Tom Cleverley a couple of months ago, fans were furious with his decision and his explanation.

At the time, Pozzo stated his ambition to return Watford to the Premier League and suggested “more experienced players” would be the key to that.

With Young potentially joining, that certainly ticks a box there. He also talked about the “need to keep this current squad together” and again, resisting the temptation to sell Doumbia would be another task ticked off the list in that regard.

Fast forward two months and Watford fans are now confident in the wake of new signings made by the club. The Hornets are showing ambition, and if Pezzolano can piece the existing players and new ones together effectively, we could see a dark horse emerge in the promotion race for 2025/26.