SAMUEL Kalu’s switch from Bordeaux to Watford has been confirmed after the work permit issue holding the deal up was resolved.
The Super Eagles forward completed the move on Wednesday as announced by the English Premier League strugglers.
“Watford FC is delighted to announce the signing of Nigerian international winger Samuel Kalu on a deal until June 2025 from French club FC Girondins de Bordeaux,” the club stated on their official website on Wednesday evening.
“The fourth new signing of the January window, Kalu joins full-back Hassane Kamara, central defender Samir and midfielder Edo Kayembe at Vicarage Road.
“The 24-year-old signs for the Hornets following three-and-a-half successful years in France’s top tier, where he scored nine goals.”
Kalu has teamed up with his compatriots William Troost-Ekong, Oghenekaro Etebo and Emmanuel Dennis, who are all currently in the club’s senior squad.
Another Nigerian, former Flying Eagles midfielder Tom Dele-Bashiru, is a Watford player on loan at Championship club Reading, while Super Eagles first choice goalkeeper Maduka Okoye signed for the club in December and is on loan at Sparta Rotterdam until the end of the season.
Kalu, 24, will be playing under a new manager after Watford sacked Claudio Ranieri and replaced the Italian with Roy Hodgson.
Former England head coach Hodgson will take charge of his first Watford game in early February after the international break.
“Capable of playing on either flank, Kalu is a versatile option in a competitive squad, typically operating on the right wing,” Watford described their new signing.
“The quick-footed attacker first played for Slovakian side AS Trenčín after moving to Europe from his native Nigeria, and earned a switch to Belgian giants KAA Gent in 2017 following impressive performances.
He then joined Bordeaux in August 2018, where he has since made 86 appearances for Les Girondins.”
Watford are currently second from bottom in the Premier League table with 14 points from 20 games.
