Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores has moved to make his second signing of the January transfer window after securing the signature of Malaga winger Nordin Amrabat on Monday. The Spaniard has now reinforced his goalkeeping options by purchasing Costel Pantilimon from Sunderland for an undisclosed fee.
The 28-year-old ex-Manchester City stopper has signed a three-and-a-half year deal - per the officical Watford website - with the Hornets and will presumably play as a back up goalkeeper to Watford's number one Heurelho Gomes, who recently said he was prepared to battle for his place with any potential new signings this month.
A valuable asset
Pantilimon is a vastly experienced footballer. A full Romanian international, the goalkeeper played 49 times for Sunderland after joining them in the summer of 2014, including 18 times during this Premier League campaign alone.
At 6'8", Pantilimon is the tallest footballer in the Premier League too, and will add a wealth of valuable experience to a Watford squad that has performed beyond expectations this season, but which is also lacking in reinforcements.
With Watford also through to the next round of the FA Cup - where they shall meet Nottingham Forest away from home at the end of January - there should be opportunities for Flores to give Pantilimon a go between the sticks.
The Romanian mostly played second fiddle to Joe Hart during his three years of service at the Etihad, after moving for £3 million from Politehnica Timişoara, who play in his native Romania.
He has also fallen out of favour at Sunderland, not playing since the 3-1 defeat against Chelsea back on 19 December. Moving behind Jordan Pickford and Vito Mannone in the pecking order, it is no wonder Pantilimon begin to look elsewhere.
It is a sensible move for both parties, and should Gomes have a dip in form at any stage during Watford's season, Pantilimon will be waiting in the wings to prove that he can be a valuable asset to Flores' side.