Quique Sanchez Flores has been busy reinforcing the Watford squad during this January transfer window, and new signing Nordin Amrabat - bought from Malaga for £6.1m - has been discussing how he previously turned down an offer to bring about his dream of coming to the Premier League.
In the summer of 2014, West Bromwich Albion tried to lure Amrabat from La Liga, but Watford's new signing turned down the offer - and for all the right reasons.
Staying loyal
Amrabat was, at the time, technically a Galatasaray player, but had been on loan at Malaga for the season and had grown attached to the club after being heavily involved, playing 46 games and scoring eight goals.
In a rare display of loyalty in a sport not particularly known for it, West Brom's move to secure Amrabat's signature was refused resolutely by the Dutch-born Moroccan international. He told the Spanish club that he would either "stay with Galatasaray' or 'return to to you', and indeed, as Amrabat considers himself a "man of [his] word", he stayed, respecting the fact that Malaga had waited for him, and reaffirming his belief that it "isn't nice" to leave teams in the lurch.
Changing places
18 months later and Amrabat has got his reward for his steadfast loyalty: a move to the Premier League, to ply his trade with Watford. It was a deal that accelerated quickly, the only major hold up being that Malaga understandably did not want to sell one of the star players of the last two seasons.
"The move happened really fast"
- Nordin Amrabat
Ultimately, they had no choice, as Watford came knocking and willing to pay Amrabat's buyout clause. Amrabat has spoken of "knowing" of Watford an their style of play, and that he "wanted to come" to Vicarage Road. The Moroccan describes the move as happening "really fast", a description that is unexpected as Flores has gone about his business with a quiet intensity this window.
By his own admission, Amrabat is ready for any challenge, and indeed he might have to start by changing his position, as Flores has him in mind for a striking role, despite him ordinarily playing as a midfielder. It isn't a problem for the 28-year-old who has said he will play "wherever the manager needs [him]", and he already seems to be settling in great at Vicarage Road, describing the players and staff as "really nice" and suggesting they have made him feel "very welcome".
Amrabat's arrival might be a timely one considering Watford's recent slump in form, and he could indeed get his first start in Saturday afternoon's game against Newcastle United. Again, this is no problem for Amrabat, who is looking to settle in quickly. He describes himself as "happy" at the club, and "looking forward to the real action."
"I want to play," he says. Make no mistake about it: Watford's new signing is ready.
