Swansea City and Watford 'want to sign' U21 international captain | OneFootball

The Championship rivals both watched the European starlet 'extensively' this past season

On paper, there was only a five-place gap between Watford and Swansea City in the final 2025/26 Championship table, but the mood surrounding the two clubs could hardly be more different heading into next season.

Watford's 16th-place finish felt like the culmination of a campaign that steadily drifted in the wrong direction. The Hornets spent a period of the end of the season sliding down the table, with optimism gradually replaced by frustration as performances and results failed to improve.

Their decision to now turn to Alessio Dionisi underlines a desire for a reset and a fresh direction after a disappointing year. It's another new head coach, with Watford unable to retain the same manager for yet another summer window in succession. However, by contrast, Swansea City enter the summer with genuine encouragement.

Under Vitor Matos, the Swans climbed from as low as 21st at the end of November to finish 11th in May, producing one of the division's strongest end-of-season runs. Rather than looking over their shoulder, supporters are wondering how much further the team can progress if that momentum carries into 2026/27.

Swansea City and Watford ready moves for U21 international captain

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Despite those contrasting trajectories, there are also similarities between the clubs. Neither Swansea nor Watford benefit from parachute payments, and neither possesses the financial muscle to simply outspend rivals for proven Championship stars. As a result, both recruitment teams are likely to be fishing in similar ponds this summer.

They will be targeting undervalued talent, emerging prospects, and players capable of developing into valuable assets. Finding bargains, uncovering gems, and maximising resale value will be just as important as immediate performance, even if the expectations and atmosphere surrounding the two clubs are currently worlds apart.

The duo have been linked with a move to sign Hungary’s U-21 captain Mate Tuboly. Journalist Lyall Thomas reports that there are a few clubs looking. The 21-year-old plays for DAC Dunajska Streda in Slovakia and is a defensive midfielder.

According to the report from Sky Sports, both Swansea and Watford have watched Tuboly extensively over his 35 appearances last season, with him scoring three goals and bagging two assists.

How much Mate Tuboly might cost Swansea City and Watford

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If neither Swansea nor Watford can realistically attract the kind of established Championship star capable of immediately transforming their promotion prospects, then investing in development players like Tuboly becomes the logical strategy.

Rather than committing significant wages and transfer fees to experienced performers, both clubs can target younger talents with room for growth. The hope is that those players develop into key first-team contributors while simultaneously increasing their market value.

Even if they do not become long-term cornerstones of their team, a successful development pathway can generate substantial profits through future sales. For second tier clubs, creating funds that can be reinvested across the squad and helping the club remain competitive within its financial constraints is vital.

In terms of how much Tuboly might cost, the record sales in the history of the league (according to Transfermarkt) are around €5 million - 8 million. That is up to around £7 million but Tuboly is far less established than that, with just 63 appearances for his current club. The duo might be able to get him at under €5 million (£4.3 million).