Watford sign Pantilimon on the cheap
Watford have confirmed the signing of Romanian international goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon on a three-and-a-half year deal that will keep him at Vicarage Road until the summer of 2019.
Pantilimon’s arrival at the club has come as a shock to many, after it was announced out of the blue that the towering shot-stopper was to have a medical at the club on Tuesday before imminently joining Quique Sanchez Flores’ men.
Speaking of his arrival at Watford, here’s what Pantilimon had to say about the move:
It was the best option for me. I like the manager, I like the players and I have made a good choice. I know (Heurelho) Gomes well from playing against him before. He is a nice guy but I will fight for my position.
The rumoured fee for the 28-year-old is said to be in the region of a mere £500,000; a very good price to pay for an experienced Premier League goalkeeper.
The Hornets took full advantage of Pantilimon’s situation at Sunderland, as the 6ft 8 goalkeeper found himself as third choice in the pecking order under Sam Allardyce with the towering Romanian ‘keeper struggling to get a look in.
However, after his arrival at Vicarage Road, Watford now have a great deal of depth between the posts, with Brazilian goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes and now Pantilimon waiting in the wings.
Here’s what Hornets boss Quique Sanchez Flores had to say regarding the arrival of Pantilimon:
We don’t need a goalkeeper to replace Heurelho because he is an amazing keeper – but we are looking for cover for players who are playing every time.
Are you happy with the acquisition of Pantilimon?