Why Watford should avoid signing Bournemouth’s Junior Stanislas

According to the Express, Watford are interested in signing Bournemouth forward Junior Stanislas this month.

The winger, 30, has just returned to action after eight months out with hamstring and knee injuries. So far this season, he has managed just one Premier League start as Eddie Howe eases him into the first team.

Junior Stanislas is rated at around £4million but Bournemouth are reluctant to sell to relegation rivals, the report adds.

Watford, meanwhile, have been in excellent form since Nigel Pearson’s arrival and are currently enjoying a four-game unbeaten run – including three wins.

They have looked solid at the back, creative in attack and are getting the basics right under the guidance of Pearson. However, the Hornets need a few additions over the January transfer window if they are to avoid relegation from top-flight.

Pearson’s side have two creative wingers in Gerard Deulofeu and Ismaila Sarr, the latter showing signs of promise after a slow start to life in the Premier League. But Sarr is a very young player and ups and downs are bound to happen now.

Roberto Pereyra can also play out wide but he is more suited to a central role, as going by his performances for Watford last season.

That clearly tells the Hornets lack depth in wide areas and the manager must strengthen it in this window. However, Pearson should avoid splashing the cash on Junior Stanislas.

Stanislas turned 30 in November 2019 and has recently returned to full fitness from a lengthy injury layoff. He has played just two league games for the Cherries so far this term, which is understandable due following his return from eight months on the sidelines.

However, going by Stanislas’ Premier League statistics, the Englishman has never really managed more than seven goals in an entire campaign. In 2016/17 campaign, he managed seven goals in 21 league appearances.

The following season, the 30-year-old bagged five goals in 19 league games as he missed the majority of the campaign with groin and knee problems. In the 2018/19 campaign, Stanislas managed just two goals in 21 outings.

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That clearly tells Stanislas doesn’t command the fee and it would be a complete waste of money for Watford. The Hornets’ recruitment over the last few campaigns haven’t been great and they cannot afford another blunder now, particularly with top-flight status at stake this time around.

Verdict

Watford must look to add at least a couple of players to strengthen their squad but they’ll be wise to stay away from Stanislas.