Why Watford Centre-Back Craig Cathcart Would Be A Good January Signing For Fulham
Fulham have been enjoying an upward spiral of form ever since Slavisa Jokanovic took over. Of late, spectators have been very impressed by the flowing attacking style of play implemented by the manager. With things going considerably well for the club, Jokanovic is understood to be interested in a January move for Watford centre-back Craig Cathcart.
The Northern Ireland international was an integral part of a Watford side which won promotion to the Premier League under current Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic about two years ago. Regardless, Cathcart could be seeking an exit despite signing a four-year deal with the club recently.
There is one issue, however. The defender sustained a knee injury which has restricted him to just 19 minutes of action so far this season. The injury could see him on the sidelines until Christmas, but that should give him enough time to recover before assuming duties at Fulham.
The former Manchester United defender is yet to make 100 appearances for Watford since signing on a free transfer from Blackpool in the summer of 2014. His tenure at Vicarage Road was limited to mainly off-the-bench displays, making it all the more likely for him to consider a move.
Meanwhile, Fulham will be looking to add more quality to their ranks to continue their upsurge in performances. Jokanovic has been scanning the market for defenders this summer and he could complete a deal for Cathcart come January.
Watford defender Craig Cathcart has plenty of experience of playing football in the top two tiers of English football and would certainly add competition for places at the back for Fulham. It remains to be seen whether Marco Silva will want to retain the 28-year-old at Watford, especially after former manager Water Mazzarri barely utilised his services for major chunks of the previous season.
The likes of Miguel Britos, Younes Kaboul and Sebastien Prodl were deployed ahead of Cathcart, leaving very little scope for him to perform. At Fulham, Cathcart will certainly receive adequate playing time, and that is important for him since he is nearing 30 years of age.
Cathcart is a tall centre-back, who is confident with the ball on the ground and aerially as well. Fulham could benefit from his experience at the back as they aim to tighten up their defensive ranks and attempt at sealing promotion.
The club recruited Spanish defender Marcelo Djalo in the summer, but the 23-year-old has only appeared in the Carabao Cup so far, meaning there is a void that Cathcart can easily fill in.