Following their promotion to the Premier League, Watford are continuing to strengthen under new boss Quique Sanchez Flores as they look to secure safety in their first season back in England’s elite competition since their relegation in the 2007-08 campaign.

The Hertfordshire based club have already completed the permanent signings of Greek international defender Jose Holebas, from AS Roma, and fan favourite Matej Vydra from club affiliate Udinese as they signal their intent for their upcoming season.

Failed Summer of Rebuilding at White Hart Lane

Étienne Capoue, who joined Tottenham from French side Toulouse for a rumoured £9 million, was part of the summer of rebuilding at White Hart Lane following the departure of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid, for a world record fee in the summer of 2013.

Excitement built as fans rejoiced at ‘selling Elvis but signing The Beatles’ but few of the seven summer signings can be seen as successes following their big money moves to the capital.

In his two seasons at Spurs, Capoue managed just 24 appearances in the Premier League as rival midfielders such as Nabil Bentaleb and Ryan Mason progressed through the academy to dislodge the French international.

Despite the evident need for a combative defensive midfielder in the side, Capoue failed to make his mark under three managers at TottenhamAndre Villas-Boas, Tim Sherwood and current boss Mauricio Pochettino.

Having enjoyed success in his time at Toulouse, making 174 league appearances and contributing 13 goals, Capoue managed to pick up seven caps for his country and was hoping to stamp down a regular spot with his big money move to London.

Midfielders Moving On

The departure of Capoue, for a reported £5.75 million (replacing Nathan Ellington as the Hornets record signing), follows recent outgoings at White Hart Lane in the form of fellow midfielders Paulinho to Guangzhou Evergrande and Lewis Holtby to Hamburg respectively. Pochettino is reportedly looking at potential buyers for Younes Kaboul, Roberto Soldado and Vlad Chiriches (who both joined in the same summer as Capoue) as he shapes his side for the forthcoming Premier League season.

Watford will be hoping Capoue produces the form which made him such an exciting prospect in his homeland from the age of 18, when making his Toulouse debut. Tottenham fans and staff alike, however, will be hoping Capoue does not prove to be one who got away given a consistent run in a top flight side. 

VAVEL Logo
About the author