Watford seal Traore signing with Petris available to leave

Watford have confirmed Omar Traore as their first signing of the summer, the right-back joining on a permanent three-year deal from Udinese.

Gino Pozzo's Serie A club recruited Traore on a free transfer from Heidenheim this summer but he has been immediately sent to England, where he landed last weekend to complete talks and a medical.

The 28-year-old joins a right-back group currently featuring Jeremy Ngakia and Jeremy Petris, though it is understood from sources close to the player that Petris has been told he can leave Vicarage Road this summer.

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The Frenchman signed from Royal Charleroi at the end of the summer 2025 window as a replacement for Ryan Andrews, playing 18 times across the 2025/26 campaign.

Though The Watford Observer has been told his departure is not imminent, the club are open to offers and have now signed a new player in his position.

Jeremy Petris (Image: Alan Cozzi/Watford FC)

Of Traore, Gian Luca Nani said: "I'm delighted to welcome Omar Traore to the club.

"Omar has spent his entire career in Germany, progressing through the youth ranks before establishing himself in the Bundesliga.

"We are certain he will bring an important contribution in terms of mentality and experience."

Traore has spent his entire career in his home nation Germany up to now, playing for SV Rodinghausen, KFC Uerdingen and VfL Osnabruck before jumping up the Bundesliga.

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He has played 87 Bundesliga matches across the last three seasons and made eight appearances in the 2024/25 Europa Conference League, including in a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea.

Earlier today (Thursday), the departure of Vivaldo Semedo on loan to FC Alverca was also confirmed.