It seems like the Watford conveyor belt of young South American talent is about to fire up again as Jorge Hurtado has joined up with the squad following his loan in the MLS.

Names like Richarlison, Joao Pedro, Yaser Asprilla and Matheus Martins show that the club works well in that market, and Hurtado may now get his chance in the second half of the season.

The 20-year-old forward agreed to join the Hornets from Real Cartagena way back in October 2022, and officially signed in January 2023 whereupon he was loaned to Independiente Medellin in his home country for the rest of the season.

In the summer, the 6ft-tall Colombian Under-20 international was loaned to New York Red Bulls for the remainder of their 2023 season.

Now he is back at London Colney, has been given the No.17 shirt and comes into Valerien Ismael’s considerations.

“He is eligible to play and is available to us,” the head coach confirmed earlier today.

“We assessed him already last summer before we sent him out on loan and we knew that the best solution for him was to go on the loan.

“He had a good loan in New York, he has come back a more mature player, and now he’s back we have another chance to assess him.”

Hurtado only made five appearances for the Red Bulls, and his one start came against New England in August.

However, he came off the bench late in the game with Nashville in October, and also had five outings for New York Red Bulls II in the MLS Next Pro League and play-offs, scoring in a 5-4 win over Chicago II.

He also picked up seven more Under-20 caps this year in the Under-20 South American Championships, taking his total to 20.

“I like his profile, but for sure now we will see if he is able to help us straight away,” said Ismael.

“If we can evolve him in the games then we will do it. He is young but has big, big potential.

“He’s a left-footed and strong No.9, fast and with great intensity to press. He’s very clinical in front of goal.

“As a young player he obviously has a lot of room to improve, especially on the tactical side to understand what we expect from our No.9.

“But we also see the possibility to play him in either the No.7 or No.11 positions.

“Now it is all about assessing him to try and get the feeling what the best position is for him.”