Watford have completed the signing of Stade Rennais midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure, and opted to loan him to Granada for the rest of the season.
According to the club’s official website, the Hornets have completed a deal for the box-to-box operator, who has moved to the Vicarage Road outfit on a four-and-a-half-year contract.
Sky Sports journalist Adam Leventhal noted on Twitter that Watford are spending £8 million to sign the midfielder, who will become their all-time record signing.
Waiting on #WatfordFC‘s £8m record signing @abdoudoucoure8 on #DeadlineDay. Shirt – ready & waiting @SkySportsNewsHQ pic.twitter.com/VA6ST70yZs
— Adam Leventhal (@AdamLeventhal) February 1, 2016
The Franco-Malian midfielder—who can operate behind the striker in a No. 10 role, or in a deeper role in the heart of the park—has been enjoying a fine campaign in Ligue 1, where he has scored twice in 16 games.
Despite his fine and dominant showings, Rennes are enduring something of a troubled campaign, with Rolland Courbis replacing Philippe Montanier in January, despite the club’s ongoing—unexpected—hunt for a Champions League spot.
Doucoure has come through the ranks at Rennes, and while he is eligible for Mali, he has represented France at every youth level from U-17 to U-21 level.
As noted by the club website, the player will move to La Liga outfit Granada—who share the same owners as Watford—for the remainder of the campaign.
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