According to Spanish news outlet AS, Watford and Everton are locked in a battle to sign Girona defender Juanpe Ramirez.
The Spanish defender, 28, has been a regular for Girona in 2018/19, making 33 Liga appearances, but the side suffered relegation from La Liga in May. Girona finished 18th in the top-flight with 37 points from 38 games, having conceded 53 goals over the course of the campaign.
Despite conceding over 50 goals, Juanpe Ramirez was one of the rare bright sparks in the Girona backline and the Spanish outfit’s relegation is perhaps the reason why the defender is available in the transfer market. The 28-year-old defender has a contract until 2022, but the Spanish club know that it’ll be difficult to keep hold of him.
That being said, Watford should beat Everton to Juanpe’s signature this summer.
Watford have earned plenty of praise for their impressive performances in the Premier League this season. Unfortunately, their pursuit of a Europa League qualification spot ended in disappointment, with Javi Gracia’s side finishing 11th in the table.
The likes of Abdoulaye Doucoure, Troy Deeney, Gerard Deulofeu, Etienne Capoue and Craig Cathcart impressed for the Hornets, but Gracia needs to sort the problems at the back if he is to take his team to the next level.
Craig Cathcart was a consistent figure at the back for Watford this past season. Neither Christian Kabasele nor Adrian Mariappa delivered the goods consistently, while the likes of Sebastian Prodl and Miguel Britos were frozen out of the team. Thus, it’ll be wise on Gracia’s part if he offloads one of Prodl or Britos this summer and adds Juanpe to his squad.
Juanpe has no prior experience of playing in England, but he has the qualities to be a grand success in the Premier League. Strong in the air and robust in the challenge, the Spaniard could be the leader the Hornets’ backline have lacked this past season.
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The 6ft 2in defender is never afraid to put his body on the line and often rescues his team with crucial blocks and tackles. Juanpe is decent when it comes to playing out from the back, possesses good recovery pace and is an asset to have on both ends of the pitch. Thus, it is not difficult to see why he could be a smart addition to Watford’ ranks.
Juanpe wouldn’t break the bank, but he could solve a key position for Watford ahead of the 2019/20 season. Hence, the Hornets should look to try and beat Everton to sign the Spanish defender from Girona.