Watford‘s Yaser Asprilla is subject to more European interest following his omission from The Hornets’ squad last weekend.
Tom Cleverley opted to drop the Colombian from his 20-man line-up against Stoke City, as well as their first round Carabao Cup fixture with MK Dons last Tuesday. Asprilla was in the squad for his country at the Copa America this summer, but only played a total of 18 minutes against Costa Rica.
La Liga side Girona, who qualified for the Champions League this season, are interested in the 20-year-old according to The Athletic’s Adam Leventhal, but have yet to make an approach which meets the valuation Watford have for the winger. It is not the first move made from the continent for Asprilla, with French side Rennes seeing a move collapse in the region of £25 million on personal terms.
The report also states that multiple other clubs have the versatile forward on their lists this summer, but are not named. It also notes that the Hertfordshire club see Asprilla as their most saleable asset.
Despite the strong season the 20-year-old had at Vicarage Lane last season, Cleverley opted against using I’m against The Potters, saying (Quotes via Watford Observer): “Everyone is working towards and preparing for Yaser leaving the club, so I’d rather involve people who are part of the long-term project.
“I fully respect that his qualities could win us games in the short term but that’s my decision and I have to stand by that.”
Girona, who are owned by the City Football Group, lost winger Savinho this summer following a successful loan spell at the club, with Manchester City signing the Brazillian from Troyes. The Spanish side have used Tottenham Hotspur’s Bryan Gil and Cristian Portu as their wingers so far this season.
Asprilla is not the only name mooted to leave Watford this summer, with Leventhal also reporting that Saudi Arabian side Al Shabab is trying to negotiate a deal for captain Wesley Hoedt, however, a deal between the two sides has been turned down. The Dutch international has been approached by the club, who are confident that an agreement will be reached.
Writer’s View
Yaser Asprilla will be leaving Watford this summer but it is up to Girona or another side to meet the valuation the club have put on the Colombian. Rennes were nearly successful with their £25 million bid, so the Spanish club would need to table a similar amount to convince Watford to agree a sale.
Ultimately it is a great deal for the Championship side. They will have turned a good profit on a player that has only completed two seasons for them and will boost the funds in the market in a similar way to the sales of Ismaila Sarr and Richarlison previously. The start of the season also highlights the new options The Hornets have, with Edo Kayembe already scoring three goals, half of what Asprilla did last season.
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