Watford Signs Senegal Midfielder Nampalys Mendy on One-Year Deal

Watford have signed Senegalese defensive midfielder Nampalys Mendy on a one-year contract with an option for an additional year, marking his return to English football after two seasons in France with RC Lens. The 33-year-old brings extensive experience from his six seasons at Leicester City, where he made 118 appearances, was part of the 2020-21 FA Cup-winning squad, and was originally signed to replace N'Golo Kanté. Watford's head coach Paulo Pezzolano and sporting director Gianluca Nani emphasized Mendy's leadership, physicality, and ability to recover the ball quickly as key attributes that will benefit the club's young squad. Mendy is currently building his fitness and is expected to contribute more once fully integrated, with the international break providing valuable time for his conditioning. The club views him as a crucial figure to provide experience and stability in midfield, complementing Watford's ongoing efforts to strengthen the squad before the transfer window closes. In addition to Mendy, Watford is also working to sign a center-back and has plans for young forward Nikoloz Chikovani.