Why Watford should make a move for Fulham left-back Joe Bryan
Back in January, Sky Sports had claimed that Watford were scouting Fulham left-back Joe Bryan.
Joe Bryan, 26, who joined Fulham from Bristol City in the summer of 2018, has been a regular fixture for Scott Parker’s side this season, managing 35 appearances in the Championship so far. He has bagged a goal and eight assists across all competitions.
The 26-year-old has been one of the key cogs in Fulham’s surge for promotion in the second-tier this term. With Bryan enjoying an impressive campaign at Craven Cottage, Watford must revive their interest in him when the transfer window opens.
The Hornets have endured a difficult campaign in the Premier League and are currently 17th in the table. Before the Premier League season was suspended, they had registered just one win in last five games.
Under Nigel Pearson, who masterminded Leicester City’s remarkable bid for survival during the 2014-15 season, the club have enjoyed victories over Manchester United and Liverpool but there are a lot of shortcomings in the squad.
One of those is the lack of defensive stability, with Watford conceding 44 goals in 29 games. Regardless what the club’s status is next season, the Hornets certainly need to beef up their defensive unit. Signing a new left-back is an absolute necessity, considering that Jose Holebas is 35 and not getting any younger and Adam Masina is yet to fully convince in that position.
That being said, Joe Bryan would be a viable option to consider for Watford. Prior to joining Fulham, Bryan racked up over 230 appearances for Bristol City, netting 21 goals and supplying 29 assists. For Fulham, he has registered two goals and nine assists in 67 appearances, which include 28 Premier League outings from last term.
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Despite the Cottagers suffering relegation at the first time of asking, Bryan was one of the few players to come away with some genuine credit along with strikers Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ryan Babel.
So, he has got a taste of top-flight football and is already a proven Championship material. At 26, the Englishman is entering the prime stages of his career and a move to Watford should make complete sense, considering that he still has a lot to offer.
Verdict
With Holebas set to turn 36 in June and Masina yet to adapt to the demands of English football, the arrival of a proven player like Bryan would certainly bode well for Watford.
He would definitely strengthen the left-back position, whilst bringing in competition for Masina in the squad. Thus, the Hornets must complete a deal for the 26-year-old in the summer.
