Odion Ighalo has signed a new five-year contract with Watford, bringing an end to questions about his future at the club.
Ighalo, 27, hit 17 goals for the newly-promoted Hornets last season to attract interest from the likes of Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion as well as a £38million offer from China’s Shanghai SIPG.
But Watford were resolute in holding off suitors for the Nigeria international as well as strike partner Troy Deeney.
Club captain Deeney was also rewarded with a new five-year contract last month.
Ighalo has now signed his second five-year deal in the space of 12 months, penning improved terms this time around after impressing in the top flight.
His hot-streak of 13 goals before the turn of the year helped to guide Quique Sanchez Flores’ to comfortable safety before a dip in form for both club and individual.
Now new boss Walter Mazzarri can count on last season’s top goalscorer to contribute in his first season in English football having also added Isaac Success to his forward options.
Watford open up their campaign again at Southampton on Saturday and the new man in charge is still looking for ‘two or three new players’ to strengthen his squad.
‘The club has given me the possibility to go ahead with two or three new players,’ Mazzarri said.
‘They say it’s no problem if we need them, and I think we need them. I prefer not to go into much detail but it will probably be one of each position of defence, midfield and forward.’
COMMENTS