[themaclad]

Watford have signed Danish striker Luca Kjerrumgaard on an initial season-long loan from Udinese.

The Italian club signed Kjerrumgaard, 22, this summer after he scored 22 goals in 29 games for Odense last season, helping them win promotion to the Danish top flight.

He came through the Odense academy but has also spent time on loan at second-tier Nykobing and in Norway with Stabaek.

"Luca is a talented player who has performed very well in Denmark," Hornets boss Paulo Pezzolano said, external.

"Now he has the opportunity to play in a competition as tough as the Championship and give us more options in attack.

"We're really excited about his signing."

Udinese and the Hornets are both owned by members of the Pozzo family, who are currently trying to sell the Italian Serie A club after nearly 40 years involvement.

Watford finished 14th in the Championship last season and sacked head coach Tom Cleverley, replacing him with Pezzolano.

[themaclad]

Watford have signed forward Nestory Irankunda from Bayern Munich for an undisclosed fee, on a five-year contract.

The 19-year-old Australian began his career at Adelaide United, making his debut aged just 15 during the 2021-22 season.

He made 61 appearances for the club and scored 16 goals over three seasons before joining Bayern in 2024.

"Nestory can be a very special player and we believe he can realise his potential here, with us," said Sporting Director Gian Luca Nani.

"He is exactly the sort of profile (head coach) Paulo (Pezzolano) wanted in a winger.

"Nestory was extremely sought-after and thanks to our established scouting network and connections we were able to be ahead of others in the race to sign players of this potential."

Irankunda spent last season on loan at Swiss side Grasshopper Zurich, scoring once in 19 games, and has five caps for Australia.

Watford begin the new Championship campaign on 9 August, with an away game against promoted Charlton Athletic.

[themaclad]

Caleb Wiley has joined Watford on a season-long loan from Chelsea.

The 20-year-old returns to Vicarage Road following a loan spell during the 2024-25 season in which he played 10 games.

Watford head coach Paulo Pezzolano told the club's website: "Caleb is a really exciting player. He combines tactical knowledge with real attacking thrust and bags of offensive potential."

Wiley becomes Watford's ninth signing of the summer.

The American has been capped three times by USA and played at the Paris Olympics in 2024.

He joined MLS side Atlanta United at the age of 11 and signed for Chelsea in July 2024 for a fee of about £8.5m.

Watford's sporting director Gian Luca Nani said, external: "He was impressive in the games he played for us last season and his attitude is incredible.

"To have him for a full season means we have the talent and consistency Paulo [Pezzolano] wants defensively," he added.

Watford begin their 2025-26 Championship campaign at Charlton Athletic on Saturday, 9 August (12:30 BST).

[themaclad]

Watford defender Antonio Tikvic has joined German club Preußen Münster for an undisclosed fee.

The centre-back played three games for the Hornets after joining from Italian side Udinese, initially on loan in July 2024.

The move was made permanent the following month.

Tikvic is a Croatia Under-21 international and had a spell on loan at Austrian club Grazer AZ during the 2024-25 season.

[themaclad]

Defender Ryan Porteous has completed a £752,000 ($1million) move from Watford to Los Angeles FC.

The centre-back made 82 appearances for the Hornets after joining them from Scottish Premiership club Hibernian in January 2023, and spent the the second half of last season on loan at Preston North End.

Scotland international Porteous, who has 13 caps, has signed a three-year contract with the Major League Soccer club, with an option for another year.

"We're excited to welcome Ryan to LAFC. He brings competitiveness, leadership qualities, and the type of mentality we value at this club," said LAFC co-president John Thorrington.

"His experience at both the international and club level, along with his defensive intensity and ability to play out of the back, will be a great addition to our group as we push toward our goals this season."

[themaclad]

Watford defender Joao Ferreira has signed for French second division side Saint-Étienne.

The 24-year-old, who has been with the Hornets since January 2023, has moved for an undisclosed fee.

The Portuguese right-back has not played for the club since April of that year and has spent the past two seasons out on loan.

Ferreira made 35 appearances in Italy's Serie A for Udinese during 2023-24 and then spent last term in Portugal's top flight with SC Braga.

[themaclad]

Watford have completed the signing of central defender Max Alleyne on a season-long loan from Manchester City.

The 20-year-old becomes the Hornets' 10th summer signing and his arrival follows the departures of central defenders Ryan Porteous, Francisco Sierralta and Antonio Tikvic this summer.

"Max stands out for his technical ability. He's a very versatile player and being ambidextrous, he can play on both sides of the field," new Watford boss Paulo Pezzolano told the club website., external

"Seeing Max play, it is clear that the Man City academy is doing a great job. Now it's our job to contribute to Max's development, help him settle in the professional game and get the best out of him for Watford."

Alleyne was named on the bench by Pep Guardiola for the first-team's Premier League fixtures against Everton and Ipswich Town in the 2024-25 campaign, and won City's Under-21s player of the season award.

He is the son of former England and Gloucestershire cricketer Mark Alleyne.

Alleyne could make his Watford debut in their opening Championship fixture away to Charlton Athletic on Saturday [12:30 BST].