Transfer Talk: Where next for Dennis after Watford's relegation?

Emmanuel Dennis' impressive introduction to Premier League football was a rare bright spark in relegated Watford’s dire season.

The Nigerian, 24, netted 10 goals during the 2021-22 campaign but could not prevent the Hornets from suffering an immediate return to the Championship, eventually finishing 15 points from safety.

While the Hertfordshire outfit will have to make do with second-tier football for at least another season, the forward could seal a move back to the top division this summer.

With a host of clubs said to be tracking Dennis, we consider where he could head next.

West Ham

A new striker will almost certainly be West Ham boss David Moyes’ top priority this summer as he seeks competition for Michail Antonio up front.

Dennis would certainly provide that, with the forward matching Antonio’s tally of league goals this term in a struggling side.

It is believed that the Hammers would need to pay £20million to get a deal done — a significant increase on the measly £3m Watford spent to sign him from Club Brugge last summer.

But ex-Premier League striker Kevin Phillips thinks Dennis might be worth the risk.

The 48-year-old told Football Insider: "West Ham are in desperate need of a striker this summer.

"They can’t rely on Michail Antonio all season again. A striker is a real priority, certainly. He [Dennis] could be one of these shrewd signings who can end up getting you 15-20 goals a season.

"He’s going to be playing in a more creative, better side if he goes to West Ham. All of a sudden, he goes from a £20million player to a £40million player.

"I think it’s a gamble worth taking. He’s shown he can score a variety of goals at this level."

Crystal Palace

Speculation has grown in recent days that Crystal Palace are eyeing a swoop, too.

Patrick Vieira has assembled an exciting squad packed with talent but the Eagles' lack of a prolific No9 may still need addressing.

Jean-Philippe Mateta and Christian Benteke are their current options but with just nine Premier League goals between them last term, an upgrade could be in order.

Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah was believed to be their first choice but given the likelihood he will now sign a new contract with the Gunners, Dennis may soon become their top target.

The lure of more regular first-team football compared to West Ham, where he may become more of an impact sub, might make the Eagles a more attractive prospect.

Brentford

Dennis looks a great addition for any team in the mid-table region of the Premier League.

That has not escaped the attention of Brentford, who are another side to have thrown their hat in the ring.

Thomas Frank’s men impressed many in their first ever Premier League campaign, surviving relegation comfortably as they finished 13th.

But the over-reliance on star striker Ivan Toney will have been a concern — his 12 goals making up a quarter of the Bees’ total outlay across the whole season.

Toney’s potential departure has also not been ruled out, though Dennis' ability to feature out wide means he could either play alongside the 26-year-old or replace him should he leave.

Villarreal

While staying in English football is believed to be the Nigerian's preference, a switch to LaLiga could also be on the cards.

Champions League semi-finalists Villarreal, who have found success in a squad featuring a number of ex-Premier League players, are said to be in talks.

Ex-Bournemouth winger Arnaut Danjuma has thrived since heading there from Bournemouth last summer and reports indicate Unai Emery thinks Dennis could have a similar impact.

Given the heights his compatriot reached during his first year with the Yellow Submarine, Dennis would be foolish to not consider that switch.

Decision time

The added bonus of European football may attract Dennis to opt for Villarreal, with fellow Europa Conference League qualifiers West Ham the only English team in the running who can offer a continental adventure.

But with his sole Premier League season to date ending in a disappointing relegation, he may feel there is unfinished business in England’s top flight.

From the interested trio, West Ham will be challenging higher up the table but both Palace and Brentford may offer more regular football.

However, Hammers boss Moyes continues to help his players reach new heights and Dennis will feel there is no reason he cannot make himself the London Stadium’s next star.