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Watford lost one star during the summer window with Richarlison moving to Everton and Abdoulaye Doucoure looks set to follow in 12 months time.
The France midfielder has excelled since moving to join the Hornets in 2016, initially spending time on loan with Spanish outfit Granada, and his performances in the Premier League last season courted plenty of attention.
Amongst those attributed with an interest were Arsenal, T0ttenham Hotspur and Liverpool, with the trio of Watford’s top-flight rivals likely to have their heads turned by Doucoure’s comments after the weekend’s win over Brighton.
Javi Gracia’s side, led by Roberto Pereyra, eased to a 2-0 victory against the Seagulls at Vicarage Road to show that life without Richarlison need not be a massive concern, with the Uruguayan hitting a brace – something that the Hornets’ departed star also did a few hours later against Wolves in his debut for the Toffees.
The departure of Brazil youngster Richarlison was expected in the summer, with Watford happy to sell after their massive asking price was matched, but the concern is that the Hornets have not appeared to sign a direct replacement for the South American prodigy.
“I am very happy to stay here and have a great season with Watford. Of course we will see what happens in the summer but for now I am really happy with my new deal and I made a good choice.”
That then leads to worries about where the Hornets could stand if Doucoure also pushes for an exit from Vicarage Road, after hinting that he could look to seal a transfer in 12 months time – although also giving the politician’s answer that he is happy in his current surroundings.
Signing a five-year deal earlier this year, Watford find themselves in a strong negotiating position when it comes to Doucoure but he is a player who is arguably a lot more valuable than Richarlison ever was – providing protection to their defensive line and being combative in midfield.
The reality is that a player of Doucoure’s calibre is unlikely to remain at Vicarage Road for the long-term and Watford need to start preparing for an inevitable departure – and there is no time like the present for Javi Gracia.
Watford need to ensure they enter next summer with a plan – placing a price on Doucoure’s head and knowing exactly who they are to move for in the case of a sale. This is how established Premier League clubs operate and the Hornets are in that bag now, without the financial pull many of their rivals boast.