How likely is it that Watford can land Brentford’s Scott Hogan?

Add as preferred source on Google

According to the Guardian, Watford have made an initial £8 million bid for Brentford striker Scott Hogan as they attempt to add goals to their front line this month. They have scored 23 goals in 19 Premier League matches and the club believe that Hogan could be the solution to their lack of goals. There is also believed to be interest from West Ham United, while other Premier League clubs will be aware of the 24-year-old. He is believed to only be open to leaving Brentford for a Premier League club, which has ruled out Newcastle United who had expressed an interest.

What would he offer Watford?

The simple answer is goals, as he has already scored 14 in 25 appearances for Brentford this season, making him the third highest goal-scorer in the Championship. Hogan’s tally for the season is impressive considering that he is playing for a team that is in mid-table and nine points off the play-off positions. Hogan doesn’t waste many chances and his movement has improved a lot since the beginning of the season. He looks to make runs in behind opposition defences and is able to score with either foot. The 24-year-old possesses a goal-scoring instinct that can’t be taught. Although he isn’t the tallest, he is strong and able to hold his own during physical contests.

As he has experience in non-league and the lower leagues, he has a tenacity and determination that has helped him progress to the level he is at now. There have been examples of players stepping up from non-league to the Premier League and Hogan could be the latest player to successfully do it. Watford have three strikers in Troy Deeney, Stefano Okaka and Odion Ighalo, but their top scorer in the league is central midfielder Etienne Capoue. It is clear that they need a more reliable goal-scorer and Hogan could be that, if he is utilised correctly.

How likely is it?

It is likely that he leaves Brentford this month as he has only 18-months left on his contract and they will want to receive as much as they possibly can for their prized asset. There has been talk about valuations, but the report references £12 million, which would be a gamble worth taking for a Premier League club that is searching for a striker. At the age of 24, he can still improve a lot and goal-scorers are worth their weight in gold. Hogan has been that at every level he has played at, there is no reason to think he can’t make the step up.

The problem for Watford is the competition that they may face. They lack the reputation that other Premier League clubs have due to their lack of experience at the top level. West Ham appear to be interested and will be a more attractive option for Hogan, considering their history, stadium and the calibre of the squad. He would be playing in alongside the likes of Dimitri Payet and Michail Antonio, both of whom would create several chances for him. Watford are a good club, but they aren’t as well established as the majority of other clubs in the league.

7/10 – Watford are certainly in the race, but it won’t be a straight forward deal to do.