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Watford have made their third signing this week after bringing in defender Daryl Janmaat from Newcastle United for a reported fee of £7.5 million haveing already signed French centre-back Younes Kaboul from Sunderland and Argentine midfielder Roberto Pereyra from Juventus.
The Dutch International has played twice in the Championship this season – against Fulham and Huddersfield – for Newcastle United. After their relegation last season, Rafa Benitez said they “would sell” Janmaat if a “fantastic offer” came in, so it’s no suprise to see the deal happen.
Janmaat will easily fit right into the Watford first-team squad after being brought in to replace Miguel Layun, with the defender being signed by Porto after his loan spell at the Portuguese club.
“I’m really happy to be here, it’s a new adventure for me. I was really pleased that Watford showed interest in me because I wanted to play in the Premier League”, Janmaat told the official club website.
“We, Newcastle, lost three times to Watford last season. They had a good season and I hope we can do the same again this year.
“The club is showing great ambition and wants to improve, and I want to be a part of that.”
The versatile defender began his professional career at ADO Den Haag before moving to SC Heerenveen in 2008. In 2012, the left-wing back joined Feyenoord, helping them finish Eredivisie runners-ups in his second season after making 74 appearances and scoring five goals.
Newcastle United brought Janmaat in 2014 for £5 million, before going on to make 77 appearances over two seasons. He scored four goals including a strike against his new club Watford in a 2-1 defeat at St James’ Park last season.
Watford drew their opening game of the season away at Southampton before losing at home to Chelsea after conceding two late goals.
