Ismael confirms Watford working to sign a striker, with Kaba and Nicholson among options

Valerien Ismael says work is continuing to ensure that Watford sign a new striker before the end of the transfer window.

“We know what we have to do. I think everyone can see so it’s not a secret,” Ismael said after Watford’s 0-0 draw against Plymouth Argyle. “We are working behind the scenes to get the solution and hopefully we can get our number one target that we looking for.”

Watford have held exploratory talks with FC Midtjylland regarding striker Sory Kaba, but the move hasn’t advanced to any agreement as yet at this stage.

The Hertfordshire club are also known to be tracking Shamar Nicholson, who plays for Spartak Moscow. The 26-year-old, who is 6’4″, scored 30 goals in 76 league appearances for Charleroi during three seasons in Belgium, before joining Spartak Moscow in December 2021. Nicholson has scored 12 goals in 39 appearances in Russia, and has 10 in 33 caps for Jamaica. Watford are also considering other options.

Against Plymouth, Vakoun Bayo — who has scored two goals so far after spending the second half of last season on loan with Charleroi — led the line for Watford.

Bayo, 26, had Watford’s best chance of the second half on 83 minutes but when one-on-one he shot wide after an excellent through ball from substitute Yaser Asprilla.

When asked whether Bayo was down after missing the chance and needed to be told, ‘Don’t worry about it’, Ismael replied: “We don’t say, ‘Don’t worry about it’. I think that the player knows that as well. A number nine gets his money to score goals.”

Ismael has been consistent in his appraisal of the striker situation at Watford — he is content with Bayo as an option but would like to have more depth, with support currently in the form of Rhys Healey and academy graduate Tobi Adeyemo.

“I know that Bayo now is really disappointed, from Tuesday as well when you miss the chances (against Stevenage in the Carabao Cup) but it’s important that he create chances,” Ismael added. “This is what they say. So when you create the chances, it’s a good point.”

Ismael also shared the advice that he will give his striker: “Keep going, believe in yourself, we believe in you. But at some point, you need some support for him.

“He worked hard for the team, tried everything and was tired at the end. (It’s) another 90 minutes for him, which will help him to get that fitness. I think as soon as he (finds) the rhythm, then the 1-v-1 situations, he can make a better decision.”