Watford confirm permanent signing of Bravo from Udinese

Watford have completed the signing of forward Iker Bravo on a three-year contract from Udinese.

The Spaniard is the first of an expected trio of signings from Gino Pozzo's Serie A club, with Martin Payero in England to compete a switch and Jordan Zemura likely to follow .

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Bravo arrived at London Colney on Monday, has trained with the squad this week, and could well be included in the squad to take on Hansa Rostock at Vicarage Road tomorrow.

The 21-year-old is versatile and could play any number of roles across the attacking areas of the pitch, though number 10 is viewed as his primary position.

Iker Bravo has signed for Watford (Image: Watford FC)

Having come through Barcelona's La Masia academy system and subsequently been recruited by Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid, Bravo has a strong pedigree – though his senior career is still yet to truly take off.

The 21-year-old was named player of the tournament at the 2024 Under-19 European Championships, which Spain won, and has featured for all of their age-group sides from U15 through to U21.

But he struggled to live up to that billing when he signed for Udinese that summer, starting just 10 of his 39 appearances and scoring twice.

A Spanish forward joins our ranks 👊 Bienvenido, Iker! 🐝 pic.twitter.com/zRI8J38qOK

— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) July 24, 2026

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Bravo was then loaned out to Spanish second-flight side Las Palmas for the second half of last season, where 17 of his 19 appearances were from the bench, and he now heads to England.

Goalkeeper Federico Ravaglia has also travelled to the UK to complete a move from Bologna and, despite a reported medical issue, is still expected to sign - though it is being worked out whether it will be a permanent or loan deal.

It still leaves Alessio Dionisi's squad thin in key areas two weeks out from the beginning of the season, with centre-back – where there are only two senior players on the books – a particular area of concern.