Watford confirm defensive duo Marvin Zeegelaar and Molla Wague

  • Watford have signed Marvin Zeegelaar from Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon
  • The Hornets are currently undefeated in the Premier League and are seventh
  • The left-back could replace suspended Jose Holebas and Miguel Britos 
  • Marco Silva has also signed Molla Wague on loan from Italian side Udinese 
  • And goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis has also followed temporarily from Udinese

Watford have made massive attempts to bolster their defence with the signings of Marvin Zeegelaar, Molla Wague and goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis.

The Hornets have announced the signings through their Twitter account, Zeegelaar being the first, stating they are 'delighted' to make the announcement.

Zeegelaar, 27, who Sportsmail previously reported could be on his way to Vicarage Road, was contracted with the Portuguese side until 2019 but made no appearances in his former club’s opening league games and was subsequently given the all-clear to join Marco Silva’s Watford for £2.8million. 

Marvin Zeelegaar has joined Watford from Sporting Lisbon on a four-year deal

Marvin Zeelegaar has joined Watford from Sporting Lisbon on a four-year deal

The Hornets made the announcement of the signing via their Twitter page

The Hornets made the announcement of the signing via their Twitter page

Frenchman Molla Wague has been announced as Watford's third deadline day signing

Frenchman Molla Wague has been announced as Watford's third deadline day signing

Silva's summer spend 

Andre Gray (Burnley, £18.5m)

Richarlison (Fluminense, £11.2m)

Tom Cleverley (Everton, £8m)

Will Hughes (Derby County, £8m)

Nathaniel Chalobah (Chelsea, £6m)

Marvin Zeegelaar (Sporting Lisbon, £2.8m)

Kiko Femenia (Alaves, free)

Daniel Bachmann (Stoke City, free)

Andre Carrillo (Benfica, loan)

Orestis Karnezis (Udinese, loan) 

Molla Wague (Udinese, loan)  

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It was clear some defensive backup was needed by boss Silva, after his side have shipped five goals in their first four games in all competitions so far this season. 


The Portuguese manager has therefore added former Udinese duo Wague and goalkeeper Karnezis on a season-long loan move from Serie A. 

Despite their defensive flaws, Watford are one of just seven unbeaten sides in the Premier League after an opening day 3-3 draw with Liverpool, a 2-0 victory over Bournemouth, before being held to a goalless draw with Brighton on Saturday.

But despite their successful start to the season so far, Silva is somewhat out of options, particularly at left-back, after his first-choice for the position Jose Holebas was sent off in Watford’s 3-2 defeat by Bristol City in the second round of the Carabao Cup.

Following this his replacement, Miguel Britos, was then also shown the red card against Brighton, leaving a gap to be filled, presumably by one of Watford’s new recruits.