He’s not been prolific in his career — Watford’s boss speaks on decision to pass on Emmanuel Dennis

Ismael Valerie, the Watford manager, declined to re-sign striker Emmanuel Dennis, despite the player’s past success with Watford.

Dennis left for Nottingham Forest after a strong season with Watford, but he didn’t perform as well at Forest and became surplus to requirements.

Valerie said he chosed not to bring him back to Watford due to various factors, such as tactical considerations, squad composition, or perhaps concerns about Dennis’s form or fit within the team.

“His (Dennis) name came on my desk, but I said no. Simple as that,” Valerie told Watford Observer.

“I honestly don’t think this was a mistake for Watford. He’s not been that prolific in his career.

“Yes, he had that one season where he scored 10 goals and earned that move to Nottingham Forest, but that has been his best tally in his whole career to date.

“You would have to bring him back on a big salary, and unless he guaranteed 20 goals it would be a huge mistake.”

The Nigerian international has since moved to Turkish Super Lig side Istanbul Basaksehir.