Departed Watford striker linked with La Liga club as he weighs up his options as a free agent

Striker Rey Manaj has a decision to make on what direction he wants his career to take now after parting company with Watford. The Albania international has seen his contract mutually terminated by the Championship side and is now a free agent.

He made the switch to England last summer following the Hornets’ relegation from the Premier League but struggled to make an impact with the Hertfordshire outfit. He made seven appearances in all competitions and chipped in with a single goal.

Elche have been mentioned as a potential next destination for the attacker, as per a report by Sport. A move to La Liga would be a return to familiar surroundings for the 25-year-old.

He started his career in Italy with spells at Cremonese and Inter Milan before moving to Spain in 2018. He spent two years at Albacete and fired 10 goals in 41 games to land a transfer to Barcelona.

Manaj didn’t make a senior appearance at Camp Nou but was a regular for the B team. The Lushnjë-born man also had a couple of loan stints at Spezia before Watford snapped him up.

His time with Slaven Bilic’s side didn’t work out and a departure suits both parties. He is now available for nothing, with Elche emerging as a potential early option.

In other Watford news, academy goalkeeper Roraigh Browne has joined Chertsey Town on loan. He has joined the non-league outfit for an inital one-month period.