Ismaila Sarr, the skillful Watford winger, was set to embark on a journey to Marseille’s training camp in Germany last night, as revealed in Fabrizio Romano’s update from yesterday. Whether the journey materialized remains uncertain, but there seem to be no obstacles preventing his anticipated move to the French Ligue 1 side.

The situation doesn’t come as a surprise, given that Sarr’s contract at Vicarage Road has only one year left. To avoid losing him for nothing next summer, the Hornets have opted to capitalize on his talents, a decision that appears rational considering Valerien Ismael’s team wouldn’t wish to let him slip away without financial gain. Follow your favourite Premier League team with attractive football betting odds from Nextbet. 

Examining Sarr’s performance in the previous season, the Senegal international showcased his abilities by contributing 10 goals and six assists in 39 league appearances. Although respectable figures, he undoubtedly sought to better them, particularly in light of Watford’s relegation to the Championship, a period when the team often underperformed.

The Hertfordshire outfit’s subpar season somewhat justifies Sarr’s record, yet a player of his caliber should have delivered an even more exceptional performance. In the 2020/21 season, he achieved an impressive feat, scoring 13 goals and providing 10 assists, a superior campaign especially considering he lacked prior experience in the second-tier league.

As for the timing of Ismaila Sarr’s medical examination, it has been scheduled for this morning after his reported departure to Germany yesterday evening. If everything proceeds smoothly, the deal can be swiftly finalized, granting the Hornets a considerable sum to invest before the upcoming season.

The departure of Joao Pedro has already been confirmed, securing substantial compensation for the loss of Sarr, who has served as a valuable asset for Watford over the years. The Daily Mail suggests that the French club will part with approximately £15 million for the services of the winger, a modest amount compared to what Ismael’s side could have potentially garnered earlier. Nevertheless, with only one year remaining on his contract and no indications of a renewal, the decision to sell him now is prudent.

While Sarr did face some criticism in the previous season, the current summer presents an opportune moment for a parting of ways. Regrettably, the transfer yield falls short of expectations, considering his relatively young age. Nonetheless, securing £15 million for him at present is a superior outcome compared to losing him for free next year.

The move also has strategic implications, as Sarr might have had a remarkable season ahead, boosting his market value. Selling him now provides the Hornets with the resources to invest in a worthy replacement. One potential candidate is Tom Ince, who displayed exceptional prowess for Reading in the previous season. However, the team cannot solely rely on him to deliver the desired results.

The infusion of funds not only enables Watford to acquire higher-quality players but also offers the chance to strengthen their squad depth, a crucial factor for a potential promotion campaign. By utilizing the money wisely, the Hornets can enhance their chances of reclaiming a spot in higher-tier football. Get the latest updates from the Premier League only on Nextbet Sports.