The window slammed shut at 7 pm on Tuesday, with the Hornets making four signings in January.
Watford entered this window, looking really for a Max Alleyne replacement following his recall by Manchester City.
They were also searching for another central midfielder as a backup to Marc Bola with James Morris expected to leave the club, which he did to join Leyton Orient.
Watford did manage to get two midfielders in the door during the winter window, the first of which was Edoardo Bove, joining on a free after mutual termination by AS Roma.
Bove fits the profile the Hornets need in that defensive midfielder role. He won the Conference League with Roma under Jose Mourinho in the 21/22 season, playing a vital role for the Italian side.
His performances caught the attention of Fiorentina, who he joined on loan in 2024 with an option for a permanent move.
During his time at the club, he scored one goal and three assists before a cardiac arrest against Inter Milan saw his spell come to a tragic end.
It is definitely a risk with Bove, especially since he hasn’t played football in a year, but Watford were determined to bring the player to the club, fighting off Premier League interest.
The second midfielder to come through the door this transfer window came on deadline day, with Pierre Ekwah joining on loan from Saint-Etienne.
The Frenchman has championship experience with Sunderland in 23/24, scoring five goals and three assists.
Ideally, one of these two would come into the side as a result of Hector Kyprianou’s long-term absence.
However, with Nampalys Mendy’s reintroduction to the side against Hull City and an impressive performance to top it off, raises question marks on who will start alongside Imran Louza in the midfield.
Watford’s ideal signing this window would have been second choice to Marc Bola, who has started 26 games for the Hornets this season, especially given the recall of Caleb Wiley who was recalled by Chelsea and James Morris’ departure to Leyton Orient.
The cards were on the table for three left-backs when Gracia was still in charge. Harry Amass joined Norwich City, Julio Soler stayed at Bournemouth, and the most notable of them all was Jordan Zemura, who was ready to leave, however Gracia turned all three down in order to sign a versatile full-back.
The Hornets failed to sign a registered full-back this window; however, they did sign two centre-backs who can both play in that position if called upon.
Stephen Mfuni signed on loan from Manchester City, whilst Saba Goglichidze, also joined on loan from Udinese.
Satisfactory. With two midfielders and two centre-backs signed, it improved the squad in some areas; however, not all.
