New Watford signing Bola was 'standout candidate' says Nani

That is the message from Hornets’ sporting director Gian Luca Nani after left-back Marc Bola became the club’s third new signing before the end of the first week of June.

More new faces are set to follow Marc Bola into London Colney (Image: Alan Cozzi/Watford FC) With midfielder Hector Kyprianou and goalkeeper Nathan Baxter already secured and moves progressing to bring Caleb Wiley and James Abankwah back to the club on a season-long loan and a permanent deal respectively, Watford are moving earlier and quicker than ever before in the summer market under the Pozzo ownership.

As the Watford Observer has previously reported, the Hornets recognise they need to bring in at least one new forward and Nani has confirmed this is a priority.

“Our aim is to move as quickly as possible in the transfer market in preparation for the arrival of Paulo [Pezzalano] for pre-season and we still hopefully have plenty of business to do to be ready for the new season,” the sporting director told the club’s website.

“This obviously includes attacking options, which we are prioritising.”

• Bola becomes Watford's third summer signing

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• Another former Watford player in line to replace Gilligan

Although Wiley is expected to return from Chelsea, Watford needed to bring in another left-back following the end of Yasser Larouci’s loan move and have signed Bola on a three-year deal from Samsunspor in Turkey.

“We have been watching Marc for some time and his performances in the Turkish league have been outstanding,” said Nani.

“He has brought consistency to his game and also has the experience of the Championship, so we are delighted to bring him to Vicarage Road.

“Primarily, we see him as a left-back but he does have the ability to play in the centre of defence.

“We obviously studied other options but Marc’s experience and age made him the standout candidate as we plan for the new season.

The former Arsenal youngster, who made more than 100 appearances for Middlesbrough in a four-year stay at the Riverside between 2019 and 2024, says he has “unfinished business” in the Championship.

“I can’t wait to get started,” he told watfordfc.com.

“We really want to get promoted as a team. We’ve got big plans and I’m just happy to be on board.

“Personally, I just want to play as many games as possible.

“I have unfinished business in this league and I feel like this is the right club to be a part of to achieve that goal.”