Watford have reached an agreement with Bologna to sign goalkeeper Federico Ravaglia on a season-long loan. The 26-year-old Italian joins the Championship club with the deal structured to include a conditional permanent transfer.
The arrangement contains an option to buy that converts to an obligation should Watford achieve promotion to the Premier League. This mechanism provides the Hertfordshire side with immediate defensive cover whilst protecting their financial position should they remain in the second tier.
Competition Experience
Ravaglia arrives with established top-flight credentials from his time at Bologna, where he made 25 competitive appearances last season. Those outings spanned Serie A, the Europa League, Coppa Italia and the Supercoppa Italiana, during which he recorded two clean sheets.
Since returning to the Stadio Dall’Ara in 2023 following several developmental spells away, the keeper has regularly competed with Poland international Lukasz Skorupski for the starting role. However, with guaranteed minutes limited in Italy, the move to Vicarage Road offers him the prospect of regular first-team football.
Development Path
A product of the Bologna youth academy, Ravaglia spent his formative professional seasons on loan at Sudtirol, Gubbio, Frosinone and Reggina. These stints provided him with experience across Italy’s lower divisions before he rejoined his parent club as a senior squad member.
Last term marked his most active campaign to date at Bologna, featuring in European fixtures alongside domestic duties. His performances across these varied competitions demonstrated his capability at a high level, culminating in this transfer abroad.
Italian Influence
The signing strengthens the distinct Italian influence developing under manager Alessio Dionisi at Watford. The Hornets previously secured midfielder Edoardo Bove as a free agent, and Ravaglia’s recruitment continues this strategic focus on the Serie A market.
The goalkeeper will battle for the starting position as Watford pursue an immediate return to the Premier League. Should they secure promotion, Ravaglia’s stay would become permanent, potentially ending his two-decade association with Bologna.