Watford confirm Iker Bravo signing from Udinese permanently
Watford have confirmed the permanent signing of Iker Bravo from Udinese on a three-year contract. The 21-year-old Spanish forward is the first of an expected trio from the Hornets’ Serie A sister club, with Martin Payero in England to complete a move and Jordan Zemura likely to follow.
Key Takeaways
- Iker Bravo has joined Watford permanently from Udinese on a three-year deal.
- The Spaniard trained at London Colney this week and could face Hansa Rostock.
- Martin Payero is in England to finalise a switch, with Jordan Zemura expected next.
- Bravo’s primary role is as a No.10 after spells at Barcelona, Leverkusen and Real Madrid.
Who is Iker Bravo and why does this signing matter?
According to the Watford Observer, Watford have completed a permanent move for Iker Bravo from Udinese. The club posted a welcome message confirming the Spanish forward’s arrival on 24 July 2026.
Bravo, 21, is versatile across attacking roles, though his primary position is viewed as a No.10. He came through Barcelona’s La Masia academy and later joined Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid, giving him a high-profile youth pedigree even though his senior career is still developing.
He was named player of the tournament at the 2024 Under-19 European Championship, which Spain won, and has represented Spain from Under-15 through Under-21 level. For more transfer and squad updates in this space, see our Future Tech & AI Wonders hub.
How did Iker Bravo’s Udinese spell go before the Watford move?
Bravo joined Udinese in the summer after that Under-19 success but struggled to nail down a starting role. He started just 10 of 39 appearances and scored twice for the Serie A side.
He was then loaned to Spanish second-tier club Las Palmas for the second half of last season. Seventeen of his 19 appearances there came from the bench before he headed to England for the Championship move.
When could Iker Bravo play, and who else is arriving?
Bravo arrived at London Colney on Monday and has trained with the squad this week. The Watford Observer reports he could be included against Hansa Rostock at Vicarage Road.
BBC Sport, citing Sky Sports, reported Watford were closing in on Argentinian Udinese midfielder Martin Payero, 27, while also linked with Bravo and Zimbabwe international left-back Jordan Zemura, 26, from the same sister club.
Local reporting now says Payero is in England to complete his switch and Zemura is likely to follow, making Bravo the first of that expected trio. Goalkeeper Federico Ravaglia has also travelled from Bologna to complete a move that may be permanent or a loan, despite a reported medical issue.
Manager Alessio Dionisi’s squad remains thin in key areas two weeks before the season, with centre-back cover a particular concern after only two senior players are on the books there.