Watford Opinion: Why the Hornets should go all out to sign Pape Gueye?
According to a report from L’Equipe, Le Havre midfielder Pape Gueye is wanted by Watford, West Ham and Leicester City.
Le Havre are desperate to keep hold of the talented youngster, who arrived from Parisian side JA Drancy in 2016. The French club want Pape Gueye to sign a new contract, as the 20-year-old’s contract expires in the summer of 2020.
Pape Gueye, 20, has established himself as one of the nation’s most exciting young talents this season alongside compatriot Harold Moukoudi at Le Havre. The midfielder has impressed with his performances in Ligue 2, thus catching the eye of a host of Premier League clubs.
With the Frenchman set to enter the final year of his contract in the summer, Watford should beat their Premier League rivals for Gueye’s signature.
Watford have enjoyed an excellent season in the Premier League, sadly they have missed a place in Europe. The signs are positive and with the right addition of players in the summer transfer window, the Hornets can definitely challenge again for a place in Europe.
One area Javi Gracia should prioritise strengthening is the midfield, with the likes of Will Hughes, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Etienne Capoue, Tom Cleverly, Nathaniel Chalobah and young Domingos Quina as options in central midfield. If Watford genuinely want to challenge for Europe, they need depth in the squad.
That’s why it’s important for Gracia to make additions in the summer and Pape Gueye has to be high in his wishlist.
Gueye has a long career ahead of him and if his performances this season are anything to go by at Le Havre, he can certainly make an impact at Vicarage Road. The 20-year-old is a defensive midfielder by trade, known for his strength, stamina, tackling skills and work rate.
Standing at 6ft 2in, he uses his strength and power to shrug players off the ball and quickly release it to one of his teammates. The French-born midfielder of Senegalese descent has solid technical qualities and he uses his ability to switch the play with ease.
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Gueye’s use of the space with or without the ball belie has been very impressive, something that belie his age. This further emphasises just how good the former France U19 international is and why will he suit Gracia’s style of play.
Verdict
While Watford as a unit have performed really well this campaign, the players need competition. Adding someone as talented as Gueye will help the club move forward and it’s a move that needs to happen at the end of this season.