Udinese have sanctioned the departure of three first-team players to Watford, with Iker Bravo already completing his permanent switch to the Championship side.
The Spanish forward has signed his contract and passed a medical, according to Sky Sport Italia, becoming the first of a trio heading from the Serie A club to Vicarage Road. Argentina midfielder Martin Payero has also undergone a medical in England, while Zimbabwe defender Jordan Zemura is scheduled to travel for his transfer within the next 48 hours.
Pozzo Family Network Facilitates Moves
The transactions underscore the operational ties between the two clubs, who both sit under the ownership of the Pozzo family. This relationship has historically enabled fluid movement of players between Udinese and Watford, with the Italian dynasty regularly utilising their cross-border network to manage squad rotations.
From Serie A to the Championship
Bravo, 21, joined Udinese from Bayer Leverkusen in 2024 but struggled to establish himself, spending the latter half of last season on loan at Las Palmas. His permanent move to Watford offers a fresh opportunity outside Italy.
Payero, 25, arrived at Udinese in 2023 following a spell with Middlesbrough. After a season on loan at Cremonese in Serie B, the midfielder now returns to English football where he previously demonstrated his capabilities in the Championship.
Zemura, 24, completes the group. The left-back transferred from Bournemouth to Udinese in 2023 but is now set for a return to London, where he was born and developed through the academies at Queens Park Rangers and Charlton Athletic. His impending arrival will bolster Watford’s defensive options as they prepare for the new campaign.
All three transfers represent permanent deals rather than loan arrangements, marking a significant reshuffle between the sister clubs as they reshape their respective squads for the upcoming season.