Watford Closing in On Serie A and Georgia Defender
Watford Target Udinese Defender to Bolster Depth
Sitting just four points off the play-off spots, the January transfer deadline day represents the perfect opportunity for Watford to seal some smart late signings as they look to push their way into the top six, despite having sacked manager Javi Gracia just yesterday.
Having already signed Stephen Mfumi and Edoardo Bove, as well as moving Moussa Sissoko on to Panathinaikos, it has been reported by Luca Bendoni that the Hornets are now looking to seal a move for Udinese and Georgia centre-back Saba Goglichidze.
Who is Saba Goglichidze?
Standing at 193 cm and boasting a meaty frame, Goglichidze poses as a menacing adversary to any onrushing striker, and has faced up to the likes of Dusan Vlahovic, Marcus Thuram, and Jamie Vardy in Serie A this season.
Though his game time for Udinese has been limited - he has played just nine times in all competitions in 2025/26 - he does have a full top-flight season to his name, having played for Empoli last campaign and playing a big part in postponing their eventual relegation until the final day of the season.
UPDATE: Watford are closing in on the loan signing of Udinese centre-back Saba Goglichidze.
— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) February 2, 2026
It’s understood the clubs are finalising the paperwork on the move for the Georgia international, 21.#WFC #DeadlineDay https://t.co/gzO5HzRTdt
Now back at his parent club, Goglichidze is being used as a depth option, but it is clear the 21-year-old has big ambitions, and is not satisfied with being a bit-part player. As such, a move to Vicarage Road becomes increasingly more likely, as the Hornets will be able to offer him significantly more game time than he is currently receiving.
It is being reported the move will be a vanilla six-month loan, meaning there will be no option to buy, but should he make a good impression in the Championship, then he will increase his current market value of £8.3 million significantly and will garner suitors from across Europe if Watford realise their promotion aspirations.
The Hornets are also on the brink of signing Saint-Étienne midfielder Pierre Ekwah in what is fast becoming an impressive deadline day at Vicarage Road.
Joe Ryan 
