Watford hoping to beat Newcastle United and Liverpool to multi-million pound striker deal | OneFootball

The Hornets are reportedly heading the race for Neyser Villarreal

Watford are reportedly at the front of the queue for highly-rated Colombian forward Neyser Villarreal, with the Hornets keen to wrap up a deal before rival clubs step in.

Alan Nixon has revealed that the 19-year-old striker, currently playing for Millionarios in Colombia, has caught the attention of multiple clubs, but the Hornets are moving swiftly to secure his signature for a fee in the region of £5 million.

Villarreal has been a standout performer at international youth level, with 14 caps and 10 goals for Colombia's Under-20 side.

His recent performances at the South American Under-20 Championship have only boosted his stock, with a particularly eye-catching hat-trick against Paraguay highlighting his finishing ability.

His contract with Millionarios expires in December 2025, making this summer an ideal time for a move, with his club potentially keen to cash in while they can.

Watford’s transfer strategy

Watford's interest in Villarreal fits with their wider recruitment model, which has often focused on signing promising South American talent and developing them in European football.

The Hornets have previously worked within the Pozzo family’s extensive scouting network to secure emerging players from across the globe, and Villarreal could be the latest example of this approach.

Signing Villarreal would not only add firepower to Watford’s attack but also provide them with a potential asset for the future.

If the teenager adapts well to English football, his value could increase significantly, potentially making him a valuable player for the club or a profitable sale in the years ahead.

Competition for Villarreal’s signature

While Watford are currently leading the race, competition for Villareal is intensifying.

Brazilian giants Vasco da Gama and Palmeiras have shown strong interest, and reports in Colombia confirm Liverpool and Newcastle are also monitoring his situation.

Given the increasing demand for young attacking talents, Watford will need to act decisively to finalise a deal before a bidding war erupts.

The Hornets are looking to agree on a transfer fee quickly, ensuring that they don’t lose out on a player who could make a significant impact at Vicarage Road.

Watford’s Championship campaign has highlighted their need for additional firepower, and Villarreal could be the kind of player to provide an attacking spark and help push them towards promotion.

If Watford do secure his signing, Villareal would likely compete for a starting spot in Tom Cleverley’s squad.

His pace, technical ability, and eye for goal would add an exciting dimension to the Hornets' attack, potentially complementing the likes of Kwadwo Baah and Vakoun Bayo, who have suffered with respective injury and form issues this season.

For Villarreal himself, a move to Vicarage Road could offer a smoother transition into European football compared to a transfer to a Premier League side, where breaking into the first team might be more difficult.

The Championship would provide the opportunity for regular game time, aiding his development while still keeping him in the shop window for bigger moves in the future.