Watford are in advanced negotiations to acquire Fluminense’s 19-year-old centre-back Kayky Almeida, according to The Athletic. As they prepare for the upcoming season, the club is seeking to bolster their squad.
Manager Tom Cleverley, who assumed the permanent role at Vicarage Road late last season, is focused on strengthening the team as they aim to advance in the Championship.
The Athletic reports that Watford is close to finalizing a deal worth around €1 million (approximately £840,000) for Almeida. Should the transfer go through, the plan is to loan him out to a European club initially.
Almeida, a left-footed defender, has been a standout at Fluminense’s youth level and is under contract with the Brazilian club until 2027. Although he has only made one appearance for Fluminense’s first team, this move could pave the way for him to gain more regular first-team experience.
Despite Almeida potentially being loaned out, his arrival would add depth to Watford’s defensive options, which already include recent signing Antonio Tikvic, Ryan Porteous, Mattie Pollock, Francisco Sierralta, and Wesley Hoedt. Hoedt is rumored to be heading to Trabzonspor in Turkey, making the addition of Almeida even more timely.
Watford has a history of scouting talented players from South America, with previous successful acquisitions from the region including Joao Pedro, Richarlison, Matheus Martins, Yaser Asprilla, Cucho Hernandez, and Jorge Cabezas. The club hopes that Almeida will follow in their footsteps and contribute to their future successes.
