Watford FC haven’t been known for their patient, long-term approach in recent times, with managers and players aplenty coming in and going out of what has become something of a revolving door at Vicarage Road.
That’s not to say this approach hasn’t worked for them on occasion, however, with the Hornets regularly bouncing between the Premier League and the Championship.
The Hertfordshire-based club often look to the continent in their recruitment, with owner Gino Pozzo’s involvement with Italian Serie A side Udinese regularly seeing players move between the two clubs.
Watford are currently managed by Tom Cleverly, and how long the former Manchester United and England midfielder retains his position remains to be seen in what is an ever-changing landscape at the club.
His side have got off to a solid start to their 2024/25 campaign, however, and given the 35-year-old’s apparent popularity with players and fans alike, the young coach will hope to guide his side back to the Premier League at the end of the season.
The Hornets have a handful of players whose contracts expire at that time, too. Here, we take a look at the three players set to become free agents next year, as things stand.
Vastly experienced Italian defender Angelo Ogbonna joined Watford on a one-year deal in late August following his departure from top-flight outfit West Ham United in the summer.
The centre-back, who is a former Italy international, spent nine years with the Hammers, becoming a reliable figure for managers such as Slaven Bilic and David Moyes to call upon.
Having previously played for both Turin clubs in his homeland, seven years with Torino followed by two seasons with Juventus, the veteran has a lot to offer. His contract runs out in June but Watford do have a one-year option should they want to keep him around.
Ken Sema
Ken Sema against Barnsley
Versatile Swedish international Ken Sema is another whose current Hornets deal runs out next year, with the former Östersunds FK man into his sixth year at the club after initially joining in 2018.
The 31-year-old, who is predominantly a left-sided midfielder/wing-back, but can operate in multiple roles, has played a part in all but one of Cleverly’s side’s matches this season, while he also remains a key player for his national team.
If nothing changes, Watford will lose him on a free next summer. They will likely be considering an extension and have a one-year option available if they want more of a short-term fix.
Jonathon Bond
Jonathan Bond – Watford.
Seasoned goalkeeper Jonathan Bond is back at Vicarage Road for his second spell with Watford, having come through the ranks as a youngster before departing for Reading in 2015.
Bond, who has spent the last three years in the United States with LA Galaxy and has also played for Gillingham and Peterborough United previously, rejoined his boyhood club over the summer and has since replaced injured regular number one Daniel Bachmann in the Hornets goal.
Bond is a reliable presence, and while his initial one-year deal expires next summer, there’s every chance he and the club will take up the one-year option attached to his current deal.
In addition to this, Watford also have a number of loan players due to go back to their respective parent clubs next year, too. Ivorian forward Vakoun Issouf Bayo, Irish full-back Festy Ebosele, and German goalkeeper Antonio Tikvic will be heading back to Udinese after spending the season with the Championship outfit, further evidence of the links between the two clubs.
