Ecuador international Juan Carlos Paredes could be set for a move to Barcelona in January. Unfortunately for the 29-year old it is not to that Barcelona, but his former club in South America.
Failing to make an impact
After arriving from La Liga side Granada in July 2014, the right back has failed to make an impact at Watford, making just 39 appearances in two and a half years. He has been forced further down the pecking order under Walter Mazzarri following the arrival of Daryl Janmaat and a change of formation to 3-5-2, making his favoured position effectively redundant.
The flamboyant Ecuadorian international made 20 appearances under Quique Sanchez Flores last season, but was only named in the starting eleven seven times in the top flight. Paredes did not add to his stock when he was labelled "pathetic" by Watford captain and fan favourite Troy Deeney following an altercation with Chelsea's Diego Costa. The defender theatrically fell to the floor in an attempt to get the fiery Spaniard sent off.
On his way back to Ecuador?
His only appearance this season came against lower league Gillingham when an extra-time defeat inflicted a shock EFL Cup exit on the North London club. Paredes had little impact and barely did enough to even pose the question of a Premier League appearance to his new manager.
With Watford looking tight in the top flight this season, Paredes may be surplus to requirements come the January transfer window. His former club Barcelona SC are reportedly interested in bringing the defender back to Ecuador where he has already experienced two spells at varying points of his career. The self-proclaimed trickster may be encouraged by a return to South America as he looks to build upon his 63 international appearances for Ecuador that included an experience of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.