Why Watford should make a move for Wu Lei

According to Daily Mail, Watford have been offered the chance to sign Espanyol forward Wu Lei in the upcoming transfer window.

Lei, 28, spent two years at the Genbao Football Academy before moving to Shanghai SIPG in the summer of 2015. He became the youngest player in the Chinese league when he made his debut in September 2006. He spent 14 years with the Chinese outfit and is the club’s all-time top scorer, having scored 120 goals in 218 appearances.

After being named the Chinese footballer of the year for the last two seasons, he was signed by Spanish outfit Espanyol in January 2019. Since then, he has gone on to make 69 appearances, scoring 11 goals. However, the report suggests that the Catalan club are willing to sell him in the summer. Thus, Watford should make a move for him.

Lei could be a leader in Watford’s attack

One of the major reasons for their poor campaign is the lack of consistency in front of goal. They have managed to score just 29 goals in 33 games so far. Despite having enough number of strikers in their ranks, Watford have failed to put in a run of consistent performances.

Their main striker Troy Deeney has managed to score just 6 goals in 22 appearances. He has not lived up to the expectations this term and has also struggled with injures. Andre Gray also has managed to score just 2 goals and summer signing Danny Welbeck has been out of the squad for the majority of the campaign. Thus, Watford need a centre-forward in the summer.

In that regard, Espanyol’s Lei would be a suitable option for the club. The Chinese international was in terrific form before moving to Spain. This season, he has managed to score 8 goals in 45 games across all competitions. Though his numbers may not be among the best, Watford should take a chance with him.

He has immense experience at a high level and also has the Europa League experience. This could come in handy for the Hornets. Given the lack of quality in the attacking unit, they could do just do well with Lei upfront.

Read more

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Verdict

The Hornets have lacked consistency upfront and adding another centre-forward to their ranks would definitely be a boost. And Lei could be a crucial player for them if he is able to replicate the same form he showed with Shanghai. Thus, they should bring the Chinese international to Vicarage Road this summer.