Jim Goodwin has commented on the future of Watford transfer target Jamie McGrath…
What’s the talk?
St Mirren boss Jim Goodwin has admitted that Watford transfer target Jamie McGrath could leave the club on a pre-contract agreement next near.
The midfielder is out of contract in the summer of 2022 and Goodwin has said that the player is ‘within his rights’ to sign a deal with a new club in the winter window ahead of leaving at the end of the season.,
He told the Scottish Sun:
“There was serious interest in him – I’m delighted he’s still here. Jamie would be well within his rights if he signed a pre-contract with another club in January.
“Equally, if someone comes in with an outrageous bid for him we’d need to decide what’s best for all concerned. Ideally, we’d like to tie him down on a long-term contract but, realistically, that’s not going to happen.”
Delight
Watford fans will be delighted by these comments from Goodwin as they open the door for McGrath to arrive at Vicarage Road for free next summer. The Hornets could land the Irish talent without having to pay a transfer fee, with Goodwin suggesting that St Mirren are now resigned to the possibility of him departing on a free.
Hornets fans will also be delighted because of the quality of player this news opens them up to getting. Goodwin has given an exceptional reference for the 24-year-old’s talents, saying:
“He had been pigeonholed as a No 10 at Dundalk and people looked at him as a luxury player, but I had a very good conversation with Jamie and his representatives and explained that I saw there was more to him than that.
“My belief was that he could become a No 8 and be a box-to-box player and I think he’s shown he can do that.
“He’s not one to fly into tackles, but he gets close to opponents, he’s fit, he’s quick and his composure on the ball is incredible. His creativity and bravery when in possession is second to none.”
McGrath was directly involved in 20 goals for St Mirren in all competitions from midfield last season, with 14 goals and six assists in 41 games.
This shows that the 24-year-old has the ability to score and assist goals at a decent rate in Scotland.
Bringing him in for nothing would be a worthwhile gamble for Watford.
Fans will be buzzing if Xisco Munoz is able to sign McGrath on a free transfer, especially if the Irish wizard starts scoring and assisting goals in the Premier League.
AND in other news, Signed for £18m, now valued at £3.6m: Watford endured transfer nightmare with dud…