Olympiacos player backs Watford deal, believing the kid can improve and excel on loan.

João Ferreira joined Watford in January 2023 but has yet to make a significant impact. Last season, he was loaned out to sister club Udinese, where he played regularly in Serie A.

While he was not always a starter, the 23-year-old made 37 appearances for Udinese, primarily as a central defender or advanced right-back.

He returned to Watford following the loan and was then dispatched to SC Braga to try his luck in the Liga Portugal.

Before joining Watford, Ferreira was on loan to Rio Ave from Benfica, where he worked his way up the ranks.

At Rio Ave, he played with his cousin Costinha, who now plays for Olympiacos.

O Jogo discussed the Watford-owned player with Costinha, who expressed optimism about his family member’s potential to become a starter in the near future. This is a desire shared by all participants. The transition period will be shorter because he is already familiar with the championship, the club, and some of his new teammates, so he only needs to adapt to coach Carlos Carvalhal’s ideas.

“He is a youthful player who can play in a variety of positions, including three central defenders at Udinese and outfield at Rio Ave. This was also how he played in Italy. As a third central defender, he performs admirably and is an aggressive full-back who, when advancing up the line, offers excellent support to the attack. He will help coach Carvalhal’s team. João, who prefers playing in a line of five, will play a significant part.

“He has already demonstrated his ability at the places where he has played. “It will be an interesting competition with Víctor Gómez, a full-back that I also like. Above all, it will be good for both of them because they will undoubtedly improve.”

Watford will be hopeful João Ferreira will prosper in Portugal and grow further. The Hornets have acquired the player on a contract that runs until June 2027.

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