Deulofeu advised new signing Bravo to join Watford

Gerard Deulofeu, one of Watford's best players of the modern era, is a family friend of Iker Bravo and advised him to join the Hornets this summer.

Bravo, like Deulofeu, is a graduate of Barcelona's La Masia academy and the pair have worked closely together at Udinese for the last couple of years - even though Deulofeu is no longer contracted after terrible knee injuries.

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Watford's new signing says he can do "great things" in the Championship - and he has Deulofeu, most memorably a hero of the 2019 FA Cup semi-final win over Wolves, on his side.

He told the official site: "When I was young I watched the Premier League and I know Watford because of Gerard Deulofeu and Roberto Pereyra.

"Deulofeu is a good family friend. He said to me that it is a good opportunity to be here, learn and get more experience, because I am very young and need to play.

"For me, England is the best country to play football in and where people like football the most.

"I know I can do great things."

Alessio Dionisi with Iker Bravo (Image: Alan Cozzi/Watford FC)

Bravo played his first minutes in a Watford shirt in the 3-0 win over Hansa Rostock on Saturday, providing a few nice touches, and will hope for even more involvement as Fiorentina visit Vicarage Road on Wednesday.

He was the Player of the Tournament at the Under-19 Euros in 2024 and has been on the books of both Barcelona and Real Madrid, as well as German giants Bayer Leverkusen, but his club career is yet to truly take off.

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He said: "Going to Germany and Italy, you learn about other types of football and these experiences will give me the know-how to play in England.

"I am more complete because of those experiences.

"I can play as a nine or an 11, but my most comfortable position is the number 10. I'm so happy to come to Watford. I want to play in the stadium and start the season now.

"I am excited to play because I know that I can play well, and it can be a beautiful season."