January 19, (THEWILL) – Kalu Set To Join Watford As Fourth Nigerian In Hornets’ Lineup
Watford are close to signing another Nigerian player, Bordeaux winger Samuel Kalu, for £3.5 million. The 24-year-old Nigerian is scheduled to have a physical on Wednesday before signing a four-and-a-half-year contract.
When Kalu missed training last week amid speculation of a possible bid, Watford first batted down links with the former Gent flyer. However, talks have resumed, and an agreement is nearing completion.
After defenders Samir and Hassane Kamara and midfielder Edo Kayembe, the Nigerian international will be Watford’s fourth signing of the January transfer window. All three players started for Claudio Ranieri’s team in a critical match against Newcastle United last Saturday, which ended in a 1-1 tie.
In August, Kalu aroused alarm when he fainted in the first minutes of Bordeaux’s game against Marseille, only to later clarify that he was alright and blamed the incident on a “dizzy spell.”
Watford, meanwhile, is attempting to secure a work permit for Colombian signing Yaser Asprilla, who joined the club from Envigado. On Sunday, at the age of 18 years and 58 days, the teenager made his national team debut against Honduras, becoming the second youngest player to do so.
Although Asprilla could yet be loaned out, he is regarded as a promising young player. His decision was made in August, but it could not be implemented until this month.
When Kalu’s move is confirmed, he will become the fourth Nigerian to be on Claudio Ranieri’s squad. He will be joining goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defender William Troost-Ekong, midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo and forward Emmanuel Dennis in the Hornets and will hope to help them escape relegation this season.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
