Watford FC transfer exits would be a 'mess' - but 'inevitable' warning dropped as Everton lurk | OneFootball

Watford's FLW fan pundit shares their views on the potential departures of Othmane Maamma and Imran Louza

In typical Watford fashion, the Hornets are already on their third manager of the season, yet remain in contention for the play-off places as we enter the latter stages of the campaign.

Uruguayan boss Paulo Pezzolano lasted just ten games at the helm at Vicarage Road before his dismissal, winning just three of his games in charge, before he was replaced by the returning Javi Gracia.

Gracia returned to the club that he took to the FA Cup final back in 2019, though the Spaniard's return wouldn't last too much longer, as he left the club by mutual consent after eight wins in 20 games, leaving the club scrambling for a replacement once again.

Now, Edward Still, brother of former Southampton boss Will Still, is at the reins, with the hope that he can be the man to guide Watford back to the Premier League after a four-year absence.

Should they remain in the second tier for yet another year, it could spell something of an exodus from the club, with the likelihood that at least two of their star players could depart being extremely high, especially after recent reports.

Othmane Maamma and Imran Louza could leave Watford this summer if promotion is not secured

With recent reports suggesting that Premier League outfit Everton are interested in Moroccan winger Othmane Maamma this summer, fears that not obtaining promotion could see him and fellow compatriot Imran Louza leave the club have grown.

Louza signed in the summer of 2021 from French side Lorient for a reported £8 million, whilst Maamma joined this summer from Montpellier for reportedly under £1 million.

Louza has emerged as one of the best midfielders in the league, whilst Maamma is now attracting Premier League interest, in what could be a lucrative summer at Vicarage Road.

Football League World's Watford fan pundit, Justin, has shared their thoughts on the potential departures of Maamma and Louza, and whether the club would be willing to cash in on both this summer.

Justin said, "It's been really exciting watching Othmane Maamma play for Watford this season. For such a young player, he's got great confidence and skill, and I think it's inevitable that, as a selling club, Watford will want to raise some money for him.

"I think he's going to end up playing at the highest level, like some of the other players that Watford have bought through over the past few years under Pozzo: Ismaila Sarr, Richarlison, etc."I think it will be a mess if he leaves, but most supporters will understand if he does move on, particularly if he attracts a high fee."I think it's also likely that Imran Louza is going to leave. It's been a couple of seasons now since Watford fans have felt resigned to seeing him go. He's definitely come on in the past two seasons. He's up there as being one of, if not our best players."I think it's highly likely that we will be saying goodbye to Imran at the end of the season as well. I think most fans thought that was going to happen at the end of last season. So to keep him for another year has been great for fans of Watford."

Watford are set for a mass money influx this summer, whether promotion is secured or not

It's set to be a lucrative summer in Hertfordshire, as Watford will either see the club strike gold with promotion to the Premier League, or receive big-money fees for potentially both Maamma and Louza.

Of course, the Hornets would much prefer the promotion option and to hold onto their star assets, though the club will make a substantial profit either way.

Everton's interest in Maamma comes as no surprise, as although the 20-year-old has not put up exceptional numbers in the English second tier by any standard, his ability is there on display for all to see.

Under contract until the summer of 2029, Watford are under no obligation to let Maamma go for cheap, and in the event of Everton interest, they will likely command a hefty sum, especially after seeing what they were willing to part ways with last summer for Tyler Dibling.

Louza's performances have seen him earn plaudits from far and wide, with this almost certainly being the 26-year-old's final season in the Championship.

Watford fans will hope Still can do enough to guide the Hornets back to the top flight, as their chances of keeping the pair around increase significantly in that instance.