A hamstring issue appears to be keeping Rocco Vata at Watford for now, with Crystal Palace and Fulham expected to miss out on the £20 million-rated winger in January.
The Daily Mail revealed in late November that the Premier League pair were keeping tabs on the 20-year-old, who is in his second campaign at Watford after coming through Celtic’s academy, as they attempted to identify the next wave of young Championship talents.
In that report, it was stated that the Hornets value Vata at £20 million — a figure top-flight clubs are unlikely to match in next month’s window.
This aligns with journalist Pete O’Rourke, who explained on the Inside Track podcast that a hamstring problem suffered by the Irish youngster in November will rule out any possibility of a winter move.
Rocca Vata to stay put at Watford this January:
Vata enjoyed an energetic beginning to the season, producing two goals and two assists in 10 Championship outings before sustaining a hamstring setback against Middlesbrough in November.
Manager Javi Gracia confirmed the injury would keep the youngster sidelined for “a long time,” with expectations that he won’t regain full fitness until the end of January at the earliest.
As a result of the significant valuation placed on Vata — combined with the fact he will have spent several months out before making any potential debut for a new side — Pete O’Rourke does not foresee a January transfer taking place.
“There’s no chance he’s going to leave Watford,” O’Rourke said on the Inside Track podcast.
“He’s out injured until late January, so I don’t see any club paying that type of money for Rocco Vata as he just returns from a long-term injury.
“He had a bright start to the season with Watford, there’s no doubt about that, picked up two goals and two assists, and the injury has obviously held him back.
“He’s not expected back until late January at the earliest, so even if there is Premier League interest in him, I don’t see any imminent move for Rocco Vata right now.”
So, although Watford have lost their thrilling young talent to a lengthy hamstring issue, the silver lining is that they are likely to retain him a little longer once he returns.
Whether the rumours will start up again in the summer, however, remains another matter entirely.
Rocco Vata interest should carry over into next summer:
Vata is widely seen as a future Premier League player, and with Crystal Palace’s reputation for picking up young Championship prospects and developing them into elite performers — as demonstrated with Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze — there is an expectation that the Eagles could come back for him once the season concludes.
The 20-year-old will need to pick up where he left off before the injury to recapture that attention, and if he manages that, Watford’s £20 million valuation may strengthen further.
The Hornets will hope that the unpredictable nature of this year’s Championship could see them push for promotion themselves, giving Vata the chance to play Premier League football without leaving. Regardless, the gifted Irishman looks primed for the step up when the time comes.
It won’t happen this January due to injury, but Vata’s future will certainly be one to watch closely once the season ends.