Watford could lose star signing in January as top tier side 'line up' £20m transfer raid

Watford could be set to lose midfielder Giorgi Chakvetadze in January, despite the fact that the Hornets only signed him from Belgian side Gent last February. His impressive performances have attracted Premier League interest.

According to the Sun, Wolves have identified Chakvetadze as a top target and sent scouts to watch him against Leeds on Tuesday night when the Hornets lost 2-1 at Elland Road.

Wolves are said to be keen on the 25-year-old who could help boost their attacking threat as Gary O’Neil’s side are looking for options to improve their performances as they remain winless after nine matches in the Premier League. They come off the back of a 2-2 draw against Brighton to earn their second point of the season.

Despite signing a new five-year contract in September, Chakvetadze would have a price tag of around £20 million from Vicarage Road if a potential suitor was to come in with a bid during the January transfer window.

The Georgian international who featured heavily at Euro 2024, initially joined Watford on loan in August 2023 which expired in January 2024. However, following an impressive spell for the Hornets, he signed a permanent deal at the club and transferred for a fee of around £2 million.

The midfielder has made 50 appearances for Watford, scoring twice and assisting six times. However, the numbers don’t reflect the impact that he has had in the Hornets’ midfield as he has become somewhat of a playmaker at Vicarage Road.

Chakvetadze could help save Wolves from worrying Premier League fate

Gary O’Neil’s side are in desperate need of help as they find themselves 19th in the Premier League table after nine games. Wolves have drawn two games and lost seven in what has been a poor start to the season.

Scoring goals has not been the major concern for Wolves who have 12 goals so far which is more than eight teams in the Premier League including Manchester United. However, they have conceded 25 in nine games which is the worst in the league by five goals with Ipswich Town on 20.

Chakvetadze won’t necessarily help with pure defending as he plays as an attacking midfielder. However, his great strength comes in the possession game as he likes to control the ball in midfield which could be of use to Gary O’Neil’s side. Wolves have only had the most possession in one of their opening nine Premier League games which means they have struggled to control the pace of the games.

The Georgian midfielder could help the Midlands-based side with their retention of the ball and control against fellow relegation candidates which could prove invaluable later on in the season.