Watford Opinion: Two goalkeepers the Hornets should consider this summer

Goalkeeper Ben Foster has been a revelation for Watford this season.

The Englishman, 35, joined the Hornets from West Brom last summer and has been one of the top performing keepers in the Premier League this campaign and is a prime reason why the eighth-placed Watford are enjoying their best top flight campaign since the 1980s.

Foster has arguably been Watford’s best player this campaign, keeping seven clean-sheets thus far. His deputy—Heurelho Gomes—has been the club’s cup goalkeeper this season and has let in just one goal in the last four FA Cup games as the Hornets reached the semi-final last weekend.

However, the 38-year-old Gomes has indicated he will retire at the end of the season when his contract expires.

With Gomes expected to hang up his gloves, Watford need a new goalkeeper to compete with Foster next season. Also, Foster isn’t getting any younger which means Javi Gracia will have to replace the Englishman sooner rather than later.

That being said, here are two goalkeepers Gracia should consider this summer.

1. Jack Butland (Stoke City)

Despite Stoke City getting relegated to the Championship last year, goalkeeper Jack Butland stayed put at the club. But that cannot be the case this time again as no promotion this season probably means no Butland next campaign.

It’ll be a tough pill to swallow for the Bet 365 faithful to see Butland leave but if the 26-year-old wants to ever become England’s no.1, he’ll have to move away from the Championship.

Watford should look to tempt Butland, who’ll likely be one of the hottest properties from the second-tier in the summer transfer market. The England international has been impressive throughout his Premier League career and will be an inspired signing for Watford if Gracia manages to land him this summer.

The England international has been impressive throughout his Premier League career and will be an inspired signing for Watford if Gracia manages to land him this summer.

2. Fraser Forster (Southampton)

Fraser Forster has gone from first to third choice at Southampton in just more than a year with both Alex McCarthy and summer signing Angus Gunn now preferred to the 31-year-old.

The towering Englishman hasn’t played a single game for the Saints this season and needs to leave the club to reignite his career.

To Read More Watford News, Click Here:- Latest Watford News

Watford should consider giving Forster a chance to get his career back on track as the 31-year-old can give Foster a tough competition for the no.1 spot. A switch to play for Gracia’s Hornets could be an attractive proposition for the six-cap England international.