Watford taken over by Udinese’s Pozzo family

Giampaolo Pozzo

Championship side Watford have become the third football club in the portfolio of Udinese and Granada owners the Pozzo family.

The Italians have bought the club from Laurence Bassini, with reports suggesting that they could look to bring in Gianfranco Zola to replace Sean Dyche as manager, adding an even stronger Italian flavour to the Hertfordshire town ahead of the new season.

“The Club is today (Friday) delighted to confirm that the agreement for the transfer of ownership of Watford Football Club has been completed, subject to Football League approval,” read a brief statement on the Watford website.

“The change will see the club owned by the Pozzo Family following Laurence Bassini's tenure at Vicarage Road.”

Giampaolo Pozzo bought Udinese in 1986 and moved into Spanish football with Granada in 2009, however his son Gino is expected to take the helm at Vicarage Road.

Administrator Andrew Andronikou advised on the sale, and said: “We are delighted to have ensured that Watford's immediate future is safe.

“The family have a proven track record of building successful teams on the field, and balancing the books off it.

“This transaction is a significant one, as it provides the Pozzo football dynasty with a secure platform to introduce its successful formula to the UK.”

The move is likely to see Watford take on players from the Pozzo’s other clubs.

Granada, who avoided being relegated from Spain’s La Liga by a point last season, currently have six players on loan from Udinese on their books.

Mark Jones – follow me on twitter

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