Maduka Okoye, a German-born Nigerian international, is on track to become Watford’s youngest No. 1 goalkeeper in club history.
Okoye signed for Watford during the January transfer window but was loaned back to Sparta Rotterdam, where he helped the team avoid relegation and left as a star.
According to The Athletic: “Maduka Okoye is set to become the youngest number one Watford have had during the Pozzo era. You have to go back to the years immediately preceding the Italian takeover when Scott Loach was in goal to see another 22-year-old as first choice.
“Loach cost £50,000 from Lincoln City, Okoye closer to £5 million from Sparta Rotterdam. These are different times with a different approach albeit in the same division.
“Having invested heavily in the imposing 6ft 5in Nigerian international who helped Rotterdam battle successfully to stay in the Eredivisie last season, the expectation is that he will start the opening game of the season on July 30.”
Meanwhile, on the official Transfer Markt website, Okoye climbed the rankings after being given a monetary valuation of €3.5 million, up from €3 million previously. This represents a €500,000 increase.
