Watford sign Ravaglia & Payero for undisclosed fees

Watford have signed Italian goalkeeper Federico Ravaglia from Bologna on a six-year deal and Argentine midfielder Martin Payero on a two-year deal for undisclosed fees.

Ravaglia, 26, started 17 matches for Bologna in Serie A last season, keeping two clean sheets as the club eventually finished eighth in the table.

He also made five appearances in last season's Europa League, saving a penalty from Morgan Rogers in his side's 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa, and was in goal when Bologna drew 1-1 with Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League in January 2025.

"Federico has valuable experience from playing in the top two divisions in Italy and from playing in European competitions, that will really help us," said Gian Luca Nani, external, Watford's group technical director.

While Payero, 27, becomes the fourth player to arrive from Udinese this summer, following Omar Traore,Iker Bravo and Luca Kjerrumgaard through the door at Vicarage Road.

Payero began his career at Banfield in Argentina before moving to Middlesbrough in 2021, scoring in a penalty shootout to help knock Manchester United out of the FA Cup.

He also spent a season on loan at Boca Juniors and was eventually sold to Udinese in September 2023.

"Martin on the pitch is a true warrior, combining his fighting spirit with South American quality and technique," said Nani., external