Soccer Football - Premier League - Watford v Brentford - Vicarage Road, Watford, Britain - April 16, 2022 Watford's Emmanuel Dennis celebrates scoring their first goal Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club /league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
Nottingham Forest are ‘interested’ in Watford striker Emmanuel Dennis, Sky Sports reported live on air on Wednesday.
The lowdown: Premier League revelation
Signed from Club Brugge last summer for £3.6million, Dennis was sensational for the Hornets in what was ultimately a disappointing campaign.
The 24-year-old Nigeria international scored ten times and provided six assists for the Hertfordshire outfit in the Premier League, even dubbed ‘one of the signings of the season‘ by journalist Josh Bunting, but was unable to stave off the threat of relegation.
Now, it appears as though the Reds could be attempting to offer Dennis an immediate return back to the top-flight…
The latest: ‘We understand…’
Speaking live on Sky Sports News (via Sky Sports Premier League on Twitter), journalist Emma Paton shared the information obtained by the outlet regarding the seven-cap star.
She said: “Nottingham Forest are interested in the Watford striker Emmanuel Dennis. Watford value Dennis at around £20million but we understand that Forest would prefer a loan with an option to buy and are deciding whether to formalise their interest.”
The verdict: Make it happen
Holding an estimated market value of £16.3million and under contract until 2026 (Transfermarkt), paying the mooted fee for the Nigerian would represent smart business from the City Ground hierarchy, particularly when taking into account what was a sensational first season in England.
Dennis, called a ‘stunning player‘ by Bunting, showcased his prowess by ending the 2021/22 campaign as the top flight’s leader when it comes to completed nutmegs, pipping now Barcelona star Raphinha with 14 and earning the tag of the ‘Nutmeg King’ from reputable statistics source StatsBomb.
Moreover, the 16 direct goal contributions for a struggling side and an impressive 6.80 Sofascore rating comprising of 6.2 successful duels, 2.1 completed dribbles and 1.8 shots on average per game, make Dennis a worthwhile target and one Dane Murphy should be pushing to add to Steve Cooper’s attacking options.
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