Paris FC target Watford midfielder Imran Louza as top transfer priority

Key facts

Player: Imran Louza, 27, Moroccan midfielder
Current club: Watford
Interested club: Paris FC (Ligue 1)
Transfer status: Contact made with player; no official bid yet
Contract expiry: 2027 (signed September 2022)
2025/26 stats: 44 appearances, 7 goals, 10 assists

Background

Watford midfielder Imran Louza has emerged as a transfer target for Ligue 1 side Paris FC, according to transfer specialist Sacha Tavolieri. The French club are said to be 'very interested' in the 27-year-old Moroccan, who has been at Watford since 2021.

Louza joined Watford from Nantes in 2021 for a €10 million deal. He has since made 141 appearances for the Hornets, featuring in both the Premier League and the Championship. During the 2023/24 season, he was loaned to FC Lorient, but has since re-established himself as a key player at Watford.

In the 2025/26 Championship season, Louza recorded 44 appearances, scoring seven goals and providing ten assists. His performances have reportedly caught the attention of Paris FC, who are aware of his ability to perform in Ligue 1.

Current situation

Paris FC are believed to have already made contact with Louza and his representatives to discuss personal terms, before launching an official bid. The midfielder is reportedly the number one priority for the French side before the end of the transfer window, with another unnamed midfielder also targeted.

Louza came off the bench in Watford's 1-0 defeat to Fiorentina last week, his first pre-season minutes. He had been undergoing an individual pre-season programme before joining the first team squad, which has caused speculation about his future.

In May, several Saudi Arabian clubs were reported to be interested, with a £12 million move touted. However, Louza is believed to prefer staying in England and targeting a return to the Premier League. The Watford Observer speculated that a sale this summer was 'inevitable' after Louza deleted club references from his social media, though his return to the first team is not seen as a concrete sign he will stay.

Imran Louza's 2025/26 season stats
Metric	Value
Appearances	44
Goals	7
Assists	10

Stats for the 2025/26 Championship season as reported by the source.

Impacts

If Paris FC secure Louza's signature, Watford would lose a key midfielder who contributed significantly to their Championship campaign. His departure could weaken their squad depth, though the club would receive a transfer fee, with his contract running until 2027.

Paris FC have already spent around €75 million on incomings this summer, including central midfielder Patrick Zabi from Stade Reims. Adding Louza would strengthen their midfield options, potentially providing competition for Zabi.

For Louza, a move to Paris FC would mark a return to Ligue 1, where he previously played for Nantes and Lorient. It remains unclear whether he would accept a move away from England, given his reported preference to stay and aim for Premier League promotion with Watford.

Future outlook

Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.

If Paris FC submit an official bid that meets Watford's valuation, the club may be forced to decide whether to cash in on Louza or keep him for another season. Watford hold the advantage in negotiations due to his contract, which runs until 2027.

Should Louza reject a move to Paris FC, he could remain at Watford and continue his push for Premier League promotion. However, if the player is keen on a return to Ligue 1, a transfer could materialise before the window closes.

The situation may develop quickly, with Paris FC reportedly making Louza their top priority. If a deal is not reached, Watford could face further interest from other clubs, including those from Saudi Arabia, though Louza's preference for England may influence the outcome.

Source: the72.co.uk

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