Coral Breaking News: Watford sign Austrian defender Sebastian Prodl
Premier League new boys Watford, odds-on 8/11 favourites with Coral to be relegated ext term, have signed Austrian centre back Sebastian Prodl from Werder Bremen on a five-year deal, after the 27-year-old turned down a new contract with the Bundesliga club.
The Hornets, who are still yet to name outgoing boss Slavisa Jokanovic’s successor, confirmed the news to fans via their official Twitter account on Monday afternoon.
OFFICIAL: #watfordfc have signed Austrian international Sebastian Prodl on a five-year deal: http://t.co/1Kzqdm2xhx pic.twitter.com/MuwDvf1q7F
— Official #watfordfc (@watfordfcsays) June 1, 2015
Prodl was part of the Bremen team who lost the UEFA Cup final (as it was then) to Shakhtar Donetsk in 2009, when they suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of the Ukrainian side, and has been capped by his country on 49 occasions.
Watford were thought to be competing with Midlands side Leicester City for his signature, though won showed intent by making a firm offer, with the player moving on a Bosman.
He becomes the second Austrian defender to move to the Premier League from Germany in the last few days, following Kevin Wimmer, who completed his anticipated move to Tottenham.
Prodl brings with him an abundance of experience in dealing with talented attackers, which will be well received by Watford, who have just been promoted to the Premier League. The player also represented his country when Austria co-hosted Euro 2008 with Switzerland.
One player he is more than likely to be defending against next season is compatriot Marko Arnautovic, who plies his trade for Staffordshire outfit Stoke City, and has shown great potential for the Potters since his arrival in the Premier League.
Further, Prodl could also have to mark former teammate Kevin De Bruyne, who was on loan at Bremen before Chlesea sold him to current club Wolfsburg, with Manchester City said to be interested in the Belgian’s signature.
Standing at 6ft 4in, the centre back is a credible threat from attacking set pieces and is the Hornets’ first signing of the summer.
Blackburn Rovers’ 20-goal striker Rudy Gestede could soon follow, if rumours are to be believed. Watford are even-money chances to stay up.
