Tom Cleverley and Watford seem to have secured a deal for Chelsea’s young left-back Caleb Wiley according to reports.
The Hornets have made just one signing so far in the January transfer window, for sister club Udinese’s James Abankwah on loan, with the 21-year-old playing in their last three Championship games.
US International Set For Move
According to a report from The Athletic, Watford have beaten other English sides to sign Wiley on loan for the rest of the season as the USA international is in desperate need of game time. He was bought by Chelsea in the summer from Atlanta United and was immediately sent to Ligue 1’s Strasbourg, managed by former Hull City boss Liam Rosenior.
However, a shoulder injury meant most of his time at the club was spent on the physio’s table. He played six games for the club in total but was recalled back to Stamford Bridge this window to make way for another Blues player to be sent to France in the form of Carney Chukwuemeka.
A move for Wiley comes as Ken Sema leaves Vicarage Road, with the club and the Swedish international agreeing to part ways earlier in the week. The 31-year-old had not made a squad for The Hornets since November, with Jeremy Ngakia being Cleverley’s main choice on the left-hand side.
Writer’s View
The move to sign Caleb Wiley is Watford’s step to replace Ken Sema and they should have a very good player on their hands. He has earned three senior caps for the United States and had played for them in the September international break this season. Between him and Jeremy Ngakia, The Hornets now have some brilliant defensive cover on the left-hand side. It remains to be seen whether Tom Cleverley chooses to start his new option when he returns from his shoulder injury or stick with long-time servant Ngakia as his first choice.
