Watford midfielder Imran Louza is set to join FC Lorient in France, according to a report by L’Equipe.
The 24-year-old is close to moving to the Ligue One side, who are currently sitting 17th in their division, one place above rock-bottom Clermont Foot.
With just two appearances since November, the decision to allow Louza to leave on loan will not come as a surprise to many. The midfielder will be hoping for some more regular game time in France.
L’Equipe are reporting that Louza is now set for a medical at Lorient. The two clubs have agreed on the transfer, which is set to be a loan deal until the end of the season. At present, there is no buy option included in the loan deal with Louza set to return to the Watford at the end of the season.
The French side will be hoping to land some signings that could push them out of trouble this January. Currently four points from safety, with Lyon in 15th the club they have to climb above, Lorient will be hoping that the January window can aid their fight for survival. The Moroccan will be their first signing of the January window, with more expected.
Only two of the midfielders in the Lorient side have played over ten games this season. Louza is expected to add some more strength in depth to an area that is lacking at present and will bring previous experience in the league with him, having played 66 games for FC Nantes.
Louza has fallen behind the likes of Jake Livermore, Ismael Kone and Edo Kayembe at Vicarage Road this season, and was always unlikely to force his way back into the side this season. Manager Valerien Ismael is open to allowing the player to leave within this window but will be hoping he returns to form during his loan spell in France.
The midfielder was left out of the Morocco squad for the upcoming AFCON tournament, meaning he could likely make his debut for Les Merlus next Sunday against Le Havre. Watford’s first game without Louza in the squad will be against QPR this weekend, with the Hornets currently four points off of a play-off spot.
Writer’s View
The Watford midfielder has not been at his best this season and the club may be feeling like a loan will help him rediscover his form. The French league is somewhere he has played before, and he showed some of his best form in his career during that period.
Likely, the decision not to include a buy option in the deal means the Championship club are still counting on the midfielder for next season.
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