Watford Consider Loan Move for Benfica Ace Andre Carrillo to Replace Nordin Amrabat
Watford are already taking the steps needed to replace Nordin Amrabat, who looks a likely departure after being linked with a return to Spain. New boss Marco Silva has Peru winger and former player Andre Carrillo in his sights.
The Sun reports that after the notable signatures of Will Hughes, Daniel Bachmann, Tom Cleverley and Nathaniel Chalobah, Silva is interested in the midfielder he knows well from his time in Portugal.
Peru's forward Andre Carrillo (L) vies for the ball with Uruguay's Cristian Rodriguez during the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier football match, in Lima on March 28, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Ernesto BENAVIDES (Photo credit should read ERNESTO BENAVIDES/AFP/Getty Images)
ERNESTO BENAVIDES/GettyImages
After lifting the Primeira Liga last season with Benfica, 26-year-old Carrillo could be interested in linking up with his former boss, who managed him during the 2014/15 season. With five goals and six assists during that successful spell together, Silva may see his pace and trickery as a valuable asset in the Premier League next season.
The Hornets have a huge squad of 33 players currently, so departures are expected for the side who finished just above the relegation zone last season. Silva has already done much work in the transfer market to bolster his squad, with reports suggesting the outgoings to fund new signings may include Nordin Amrabat.
Rumoured to be considering a return to Spain after two seasons spent with Málaga in the past, 30-year-old Amrabat may be replaced by the younger Carrillo with Deportivo de La Coruña a possible destination for the Morocco play maker.
A loan move for Carrillo seems the more likely option for Watford, as Portuguese clubs are notorious for driving up the price for their players to fend off interest and to get the best value for prized assets. However, Carrillo only made three starts in the league last season, with 17 coming from the bench.
Young English and Arsenal academy star Chris Willock recently moved on a free transfer, so even more time might be spent on the bench for Peruvian international Carrillo, meaning a move to England could be on the cards.
