Why Matt Grimes could be an excellent signing for Watford
According to BBC, Watford have been credited with an interest in Swansea City midfielder Matt Grimes as the Hornets look to rebuild their squad after suffering relegation from the Premier League last season.
As per the report, the Swans are aware of Watford’s desire to sign their captain but the Welsh outfit haven’t received any formal bids for the 25-year-old, whom they rate at £10million.
The Hornets have already bolstered their attack with the acquisition of veteran hitman Glenn Murray on loan from Brighton while young right-back Jeremy Ngakia has also joined the ranks on a free transfer from West Ham.
Profile
Matt Grimes started his professional career with Exeter City in League Two before completing a move to Swansea City in January 2015. The midfielder made only a handful of appearances for the Swans during their Premier League days, spending time on loan at Blackburn Rovers, Leeds United, and Northampton Town.
The 25-year-old established himself as a regular starter for Swansea during the 2018-19 season following their relegation from the top-flight, featuring 45 times in the Championship under Graham Potter.
Grimes was named Swansea’s Player of the Year in 2019 and continued his impressive form under new manager Steve Cooper. Having been honoured as the designated club captain last summer, the Exeter-born ace played every minute of the Swans’ league campaign (including the playoffs) during the 2019-20 season.
The Swansea skipper contributed with 7 assists in 48 league appearances last season, playing more minutes (4320) than any other central midfielder in the division. (h/t Hertfordshire Live)
Grimes could be a quality addition to Watford’s midfield
Watford currently don’t have a shortage of midfielders but things are expected to change before the transfer deadline. The Hornets are likely to lose several key players following their relegation to the Championship, with Abdoulaye Doucoure closing in on a move to Everton. (h/t BBC)
Etienne Capoue could also be on his way out of Vicarage Road this summer (h/t Hertfordshire Live), meaning that Watford need to prepare themselves for a reshuffle of options in the middle.
To put things into perspective, Matt Grimes was one of the most consistent central midfielders in the Championship last season and Watford completing a deal for the Swansea star could put them in good stead as far as their promotion hopes are concerned.
As per Whoscored, the 25-year-old averaged more tackles per game (2.5) than any Watford player. Hence, a player of his quality could have a transformative impact at Vicarage Road, especially if the likes of Doucoure and Capoue depart.
Grimes is a real work-horse and a true leader who is capable of starting week in, week out in the Championship, as he showed at Swansea last term. Plus, his ability to deliver assists from a deep position in the midfield should also improve Watford’s team dynamics.
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Verdict
Matt Grimes is very much a proven performer at the Championship level and Watford could have an absolute gem on their hands if they manage to strike a deal for him this summer.
The former England U-21 international still has his best years ahead of him, so the Hornets have every reason to look at him as someone who could serve them well, both in Championship and in the Premier League, if they were to secure promotion.
