Why Baba Rahman would be a good signing for Watford
According to the Watford Observer, Watford are interested in completing a loan deal for out-of-favour Chelsea left-back Baba Rahman ahead of next week’s domestic transfer deadline.
As per the report, the Hornets are among a host of Championship clubs interested in securing the services of the Ghanaian international, who is expected to depart Stamford Bridge on loan once again.
Rahman, though, isn’t the only left-back mentioned as a potential target for Watford, with Leeds United star Barry Douglas also believed to be on manager Vladimir Ivic’s radar. (h/t Watford Observer)
Profile
Baba Rahman started his professional career with Dreams FC in the Ghanaian lower divisions and played in the top-flight with Asante Kotoko before completing a move to Europe with German Bundesliga outfit Greuther Furth. The left-back went on to enjoy a productive debut season in the German top-tier but wasn’t able to save his club from relegation.
The 26-year-old was snapped up by Augsburg in the Bundesliga after spending a year in the second division and an outstanding 2014-15 campaign paved the way for a big-money switch to Chelsea in the summer of 2015. Rahman made 23 appearances for the Blues during the 2015-16 campaign but fell completely out of favour following the dismissal of Jose Mourinho.
The Ghanaian has since gone through two separate loan spells at Schalke in the Bundesliga before having temporary stints at Reims in France and Mallorca in Spain. The left-back still has two years remaining on his contract with Chelsea.
A full international for Ghana since 2014, Rahman has accumulated 28 senior caps for his nation, representing the Black Stars at 2015 and 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
Watford need more depth at left-back
Watford roped in centre-back duo Francisco Sierralta and William Troost-Ekong to bolster their backline earlier in the summer while young right-back Jeremy Ngakia also joined the ranks on a free transfer from West Ham. However, the Hornets still lack enough depth and quality in the left-back department following the departure of Jose Holebas at the end of last season.
Kiko Femenia has been utilised on the left as a full-back and also as a wing-back in the Championship this season but has struggled to produce his best.
Suffice to say, Watford are in dire need of a specialist left-back at the moment and Baba Rahman presents a lucrative option in the market, considering his top-flight experience in England, Germany, France, and Spain.
The Ghanaian’s career has been in a downward spiral ever since he fell out of favour at Chelsea, with the left-back struggling for regular game time during his loan spells over the past three years. However, it’s worth recalling that Rahman was once among the best young left-backs in the Bundesliga, and at 26, he still has plenty of time to redeem himself.
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Verdict
Baba Rahman has shown in the past that he’s more than capable of delivering the goods when provided with regular game time. Watford need a specialist left-back and signing the experienced Ghanaian on loan would make perfect sense in footballing terms.
Essentially an attack-minded defender, the 26-year-old is capable of slotting into both full-back and wing-back roles, meaning his arrival would hand a significant boost to Ivic’s squad dynamics.
