Watford Opinion: Why Birger Verstraete will be a good fit for the Hornets?
According to Belgian news outlet HLN, Watford are eyeing a move for AA Gent midfielder Birger Verstraete.
Birger Verstraete, who is about to enter the final year of his Gent deal, has enjoyed a fantastic season in Belgium, scoring five goals and two assists in 29 league games.
The midfielder, 25, is keen to stay but as he will enter the final year of his contract in June, Gent could take up the option of selling him rather losing him for free in 2020. However, he has also attracted interest from Bundesliga and Ligue 1 but as Watford are eighth in the table, England is an attractive option, adds the report.
Watford have enjoyed an impressive season in the Premier League, and they are on course to finish in the top half of the table. With a strong finish to the season, they can even manage to squeak into the Europa League qualifiers. There cannot be any doubt that Javi Gracia has done a terrific job since he took over at the club.
One of Watford’s star performers this season has been Abdoulaye Doucoure, who has contributed with five goals and six assists. But Doucoure was subject of £50 million interest from PSG in January, according to The Sun. Fortunately for Gracia, the Hornets kept hold of the midfielder.
But come summer, things could change and chances of Doucoure attracting interest from elite European clubs would be higher. Watford have to be ready for the situation, as the Frenchman has admitted his desire to play in the Champions League in the future.
Thus, signing Birger Verstraete will be a perfect move from Watford. The Hornets will lose physicality, steel and dynamism in midfield if Doucoure departs in the summer. And Verstraete could be the ideal player to replace the French powerhouse at the Vicarage Road.
Verstraete has impressed in the Belgium Pro League and is likely to be in Watford’s price range. The midfielder is a very good passer of the ball and a decent tackler, whilst he also has five goals to his name this campaign. His main qualities are his array of passing and energy around the pitch.
Verdict
Verstraete would represent a solid addition to the Wolves ranks. The Belgian has done very well during his time with Gent. A major pull of the deal could be Watford qualifying for the Europa League.
His style of play is effortless, energetic and all about coming up with important goals for the team. Watford would need one of those players, especially if Doucoure departs at the end of the season.
Read More Watford News, Click Here: Watford News
If Javi Gracia can get the very best out of the one-cap Belgium international then Watford will have a good player on their hands.
