Why Watford must splash £10m on West Brom’s Ben Foster and solve their goalkeeping woes
Watford endured a frustrating season filled with inconsistent displays and sloppy mistakes which cost them a number of games. Apart from Stoke City and West Ham United, no other team had conceded as many goals as Watford’s 64.
The Hornets also looked toothless and bland in the attack as their forwards often failed to produce in the final third. Age is clearly catching up to Troy Deeney and the Hornets must sign a new striker to replace him.
Javi Gracia must now lift this team in the upcoming season. In order to do that, he will need a number of new signings for the club, starting with their defence. In addition to their attacking woes, Watford leaked goals like a broken ship all season long.
Gracia is reportedly interested in signing West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Ben Foster. The Baggies finished 20th in the league last season and have been relegated to the Championship. This could see a number of their stars opt for moves back to the top-tier. And Foster could be one to make an early move.
The 35-year-old has made a total of 288 appearances in the Premier League, maintaining 72 clean sheets over that time. He is a true-blue veteran and has established himself as one of the best shot-stoppers across England.
Foster made a total of 37 appearances last season, registering 10 clean sheets in the process. He is a fantastic goalkeeper with respectable reflexes for a 35-year-old. The former Manchester United man bailed out West Brom a number of times last season and he could do the same for the Hornets.
Over the course of the previous campaign, the Baggies’ defence was sloppier than ever and more often than not, Foster had to clean up the mess. He is a commanding goalkeeper who is not afraid to call the shots at the back.
Watford are reportedly lining up a £10million bid for the goalkeeper. The prospect of playing in the Premier League should be enough for Gracia to convince Foster to make the move.
The Watford manager must prioritize a move for the goalkeeper right now because Watford are a mess at the back, and Ben Foster is great at cleaning up messes. The former Manchester United goalkeeper would be an exceptional signing for the club, given his quality and experience. Hence, this is a deal Watford must definitely pursue.
