Watford FC has officially completed the transfer of Othmane Maamma, a 19-year-old Moroccan U21 international winger, from French Ligue 1 club Montpellier HSC. The move sees Maamma sign a four-year contract with the Championship side, with the fee for the transfer remaining undisclosed.
Maamma is a product of the esteemed Montpellier academy system. Despite his young age, he managed to make 14 senior appearances for the club in Ligue 1. Primarily operating on the right side of the attack, he has also demonstrated capability on the opposite flank, offering valuable versatility.
His time in the Montpellier first team saw him score two senior goals. Notably, his first goal came on his very first start for the club, during a 2-1 victory over RC Lens towards the end of the 2023/24 season. His second and final goal for Montpellier was scored in January against Toulouse FC, a match that, rather fittingly perhaps, marked the club`s last victory in what proved to be a challenging campaign. Montpellier finished the season at the bottom of the Ligue 1 table, a position they will be keen to forget swiftly.
Now, Maamma heads to Vicarage Road, undoubtedly hoping for a more positive team trajectory. Watford finished last season in 14th place in the Championship, a position that reflects their current status in the second tier of English football. This upcoming season will be the fourth consecutive year the club has spent in the Championship, following their relegation from the Premier League in the 2021/22 campaign.
The signing of Maamma represents an investment in young potential for Watford. For the player, it offers a fresh challenge and an opportunity to develop his game in a new environment and league. Both player and club will be looking for this transfer to mark the beginning of an ascent, away from the recent struggles both have experienced.
