Watford Opinion: Why the Hornets should make a move for James Lea-Siliki

According to French outlet Foot Mercato, Watford have made contact with Rennes midfielder James Lea-Siliki’s entourage.

James Lea-Siliki, 22, impressed for Rennes this season, featuring 34 times across all competitions. The versatile midfielder, who is under contract at the Ligue 1 club until 2021, is also believed to have attracted FC Porto’s interest.

Given the fact that Porto are also interested in the 22-year-old, it’ll be difficult for Watford prise away the midfielder to the Vicarage Road. Yet, they must make an attempt to sign Lea-Siliki from Rennes this summer.

The Hornets will definitely take a dip in the transfer market to strengthen their squad for the next season. Following a good start, they once looked confident of achieving a top-half finish but a string of poor results during the business end of the season saw Javi Gracia’s men finish 13th on the table.

Gracia’s aim certainly will be to break into the top 10 next season and for that to happen, he’ll need to bring in a few fresh faces. Signing a midfielder must be prioritised, however, with Abdoulaye Doucoure said to be open to a move away from Vicarage Road this summer.

Doucoure has been a top performer for Watford over the last couple of seasons and it’s not surprising that a lot of clubs both in England and outside are interested in his signature. Should the French midfielder depart, it’ll leave a huge hole in the Gracia-managed team’s midfield.

To put things into perspective, Gracia should sign Lea-Siliki to potentially replace Doucoure.

An all-action midfielder, Lea-Siliki is highly versatile as he is capable of playing in different positions across midfield and attack. He is calm on the ball, can pick a pass and break opposition’s play. Blessed with a good burst of pace, the 22-year-old has the ability to hit the ball with extreme power and test the goalkeeper from distance.

Lea-Siliki has the perfect blend of pace and power to succeed in the Premier League. Furthermore, the young midfielder is a good dribbler and adept at finding spaces to link-up play with his teammates in the final third.

Verdict

To put things into perspective, Lea-Siliki’s potential has been there for everyone to see and he would be a wonderful long-term investment for Watford.

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The Hornets need to bring in quality players to challenge for a European spot next season and the 22-year-old Frenchman could prove to be a useful addition to the squad.