After a sluggish first part of the season (14th place in Ligue 1 after 16 days), Paris FC is active on all fronts to significantly strengthen its squad during the winter transfer window. Among the many avenues explored by the Ile-de-France leaders, there is in particular that leading to Imran Louza, the Moroccan international from Watford. An ambitious but complex file for the promoted club.
At 26, Imran Louza is having the best season of his career. Captain of the Hornets, the native of Nantes has 6 goals and 6 assists in 20 matches in all competitions this season. Exceptional statistics for a midfielder who confirms his position as Watford’s best player in the Championship. As Chris Davies, coach of Birmingham City, pointed out after facing the player trained at FC Nantes: “Louza is without a doubt one of the best midfielders in the championship. Technically he is exceptional, always looking for a creative solution.”
Under contract until 2028 with the English club, Louza represents exactly the profile sought by Paris FC to densify its midfield. The Parisian club, which plans to field four to five recruits this winter according to L’Équipe, has identified the midfield relay position as a real priority to provide a link between the midfield and the attack. The former Canary would bring experience in Ligue 1 (72 matches) and technical versatility (he can play in all positions in the middle).
The main pitfall of this file, however, lies in Watford’s demands. According to our information, the English club, currently 8th in the Championship and engaged in the race for the play-offs for accession to the Premier League, has no intention of parting ways with its captain. The management of the Hornets could, however, demand between 15 and 20 million euros to let Louza leave. A considerable sum which could dampen the enthusiasm of Paris FC, even if the club has a comfortable budget despite the 50 million euros spent last summer.
To be continued…
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