Crystal Palace and Everton will look to sign 20 year old French winger Othmane Maamma from Watford this summer after initiating their moves to land him.
According to a report by French outlet L’Equipe, the two Premier League mid table clubs are eager to bolster their offensive units by signing a wide attacker in the upcoming transfer window. They have set their sights on the 20 year old Watford winger.
Palace and Everton are not alone in the battle for the French born winger’s signature. He is also a target for Benfica and an unnamed Ligue 1 club. Meanwhile, the report reveals that the two Premier League outfits and Benfica have made “detailed enquiries” to sign the youngster from the EFL Championship club in the coming weeks.
Who is Othmane Maamma?
Maamma is the latest promising prospect from his country of birth to rise in prominence. Born in Ales, the 20 year old spent his formative years in France, passing through the academies at Nimes Gazelec Sportif Gardois and Athletic Club Arlesien before graduating from the youth division at Montpellier HSC. However, he has risen in prominence since joining Watford last summer.
The youngster was a fringe player for the Hornets in his debut season, managing only four goals and one assist in 25 EFL Championship outings. But Maamma who has chosen to represent Morocco in international football was impressive enough to provoke interest from several well known clubs, including Crystal Palace and Everton.
Premier League adventure on the horizon?
Crystal Palace’s interest is understandable. While the Eagles have several versatile attackers, they have often relied heavily on Ismaila Sarr. Additionally, it is unclear if they will complete a permanent move for Evann Guessand, though recent reports have suggested a deal is on the cards. Maamma has thus emerged as a viable target, as his pace and trickery in advanced areas could unlock a new facet of Palace’s offensive gameplay.
As for Everton, the Toffees are keen on sealing a permanent move for Jack Grealish and will soon reportedly hold talks with Manchester City for a summer deal. However, amid uncertainties surrounding the Englishman’s future, the Merseyside outfit must procure an alternative. Maamma could also be an ideal replacement for Iliman Ndiaye if the Senegalese international leaves amid his reported links with Manchester United.
The bottom line
Four goals. One assist. Twenty five Championship appearances.
The numbers don’t scream “must buy.” But the interest from Premier League clubs, Benfica and an unnamed Ligue 1 side suggests there’s something there.
It is unclear whether Watford will entertain offers for the 20 year old Moroccan considering he has spent only one season at Vicarage Road.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace and Everton may face stiff competition from even bigger clubs. Recent reports have linked the young winger with Liverpool and Manchester United.
Maamma is raw. He’s unproven at the top level. But he’s also exactly the kind of low risk, high reward signing that mid table Premier League clubs love to make.
The approaches have been made. The enquiries are detailed. Now Watford have a decision to make: cash in or hold on.
