Watford player of the season Imran Louza hands in transfer request after falling out with new manager in his first week
WATFORD midfielder Imran Louza wants to leave the club after a fall-out with the new head coach.
Uruguayan boss Paulo Pezzolano has only just taken over at Vicarage Road from Tom Cleverley but after an exchange of views with the new manager, Louza - last season's player of the year - has told the Hornets he is looking to find another club.
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Owner Gino Pozzo had been hoping to keep hold of the Moroccan international, along with the likes of Giorgi Chakvetadze and Kwadwo Baah, in an attempt to try and challenge for at least a Championship play-off spot.
But a week into the reign of Pezzolano, Louza has told club officials that he is looking at other options.
Louza joined from Nantes in 2021 for £9million but is now worth about £12m.
He signed a new contract in 2023 with his deal running to 2028.
Louza made 33 appearances, scored twice and picked up five assists last season having improved under Cleverley who left the club at the end of the campaign.
Prior to that, Louza had spent half a season out on loan at Lorient and seemed set to leave Watford.
However, after struggling initially last term Louza flourished under Cleverley, even captaining the team.
Following new boss Pezzolano's arrival at Vicarage Road last month, Sporting Director Gian Luca Nani said: "Paulo has a hugely impressive track record working with young players, which is essential when you look at the age profile of our squad.
"He has had success at virtually every club, including league titles and promotions, but it is his work on the training ground that impressed the most when we undertook our research.
"He has innovative ideas and processes which he transmits passionately to the players.
"We believe Paulo is the leader we need as we refocus ahead of the new season.
"He is fully aware of our ambitions and determination to push for promotion and embraces that challenge."
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