The newest recruit to join Rob Edwards’ Hornets, Rey Manaj put pen to paper on a three-year deal from Barcelona on Tuesday (July 12), and is looking forward to donning the yellow shirt at Vicarage Road.

A dynamic forward who brings with him an abundance of experience from his time in Italy and Spain, at just 25 years old, Manaj is hoping to use that to his advantage in the next chapter of his career.

After a successful loan move to Spezia in Italy’s top-flight during the 2021/22 campaign, the Albanian explained how the transfer to Watford came to fruition after attracting numerous clubs all vying for his signature.

“Two weeks ago, my agent called me and I just wanted to wait until the end of the season because it had been a very long one,” said Manaj.

“After that, I spoke to my agent and I had a few calls from Italy and Spain, but I spoke with the owner [Gino Pozzo] and I decided to join the club.

“I checked the squad before coming here and there are some familiar names, but I don’t really know anyone on a personal level yet. During these first few days I will get to know them both on the pitch and off it, and we will work together for the club.

“Everyone has welcomed me in a fantastic way. From my teammates to the staff and the senior management – they all gave me a very warm welcome. I’m very happy to be here.”

Manaj is no stranger to pressure having played for Inter Milan and Barcelona. In Italy, Manaj was guided by Roberto Mancini at the San Siro, while in Spain he became the first Albanian to make the senior Barcelona squad in early 2020.

The forward acknowledges that he is not the first player to have made the step to Watford from the Catalonian giants, with Gerard Deulofeu and current teammate Kiko Femenía having made the switch in the past.

“I’m very proud because I wore two shirts for very important clubs [Inter and Barcelona], but now I have to look forward to my time at Watford,” Manaj continued.

“My agent played a very important role because he is always the one that gives me the advice on where to go. Watford is a very renowned team, everyone in Italy knows Watford. In fact, as soon as I said to people that I was moving here, everyone said that I chose the best team.

“My focus is on this next adventure because now I am wearing Watford’s shirt and we have to go back to the Premier League. I’m very excited to be here.”

Manaj is the first senior Watford star to hail from Albania, a feat that he is proud of. However, ahead of the new season, his focus is on preparing for another important year of football.

As a forward, Manaj knows that as well as contributing to the scoreline he will also need to be a more rounded individual under Edwards.

He said: “Every player that plays in an attacking position needs to be able to be creative and give some options for the whole team. Not only do I want to produce goals and assists, but we have to be a part of the whole strategy.

“I am looking forward to walking out at Vicarage Road, but we have 20 days in front of us and my pre-season starts now. We have to make sure that we arrive ready for the first game and get three points at home.”

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