Watford FC set to complete Peterborough United transfer coup | OneFootball

Hector Kyprianou is heading to Vicarage Road in a bargain deal for the Hornets

Watford FC are set to complete their first incoming transfer deal of the summer by landing the services of Peterborough United captain Hector Kyprianou.

The Hornets have this week confirmed the appointment of Uruguayan coach Paulo Pezzolano, who will take over from Tom Cleverley in the Vicarage Road hot-seat in what is a 21st new managerial appointment from owner Gino Pozzo since Sean Dyche's exit in 2012.

And when he arrives for pre-season, at least one new face will be part of his squad, as a deal for one of League One's most talented midfield operators has been agreed.

Watford set to sign Peterborough United captain Hector Kyprianou

As first reported by Foot Mercato writer Santi Aouna, the 23-year-old will soon arrive at Vicarage Road, and as added by Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph, Kyprianou will pen a "long-term contract" with the Hertfordshire outfit, with his Posh contract set to expire at the end of June.

Because he will turn 24 before his United deal expires, Peterborough will not be entitled to any compensation for Kyprianou's services, meaning Watford will land a complete free transfer for the Cyprus international.

Kyprianou was named Pterborough captain at the start of the 2024-25 season, and whilst it was a disappointing League One campaign on the whole for Darren Ferguson's side, the engine room operator helped to guide his club to a second EFL Trophy win in a row, scoring in the final against Birmingham City.

The 10-cap international played 34 times in the third tier of English football last season, and since his 2022 move from Leyton Orient he played 140 times in all competitions for Posh, scoring 16 goals.

Hector Kyprianou arrival could free up Imran Louza's creativity for Watford FC

Usually operating as more of a defensive midfielder, Kyprianou will more-than bolster the options in the middle of the park for new manager Pezzolano, and it could help to bring the best out of Imran Louza too.

The Moroccan playmaker was operating deeper in midfield for most of 2024-25 under Cleverley, but perhaps in a midfield three with Kyprianou and Pierre Dwomoh next season, Louza can be the focal point and the man that makes things tick in the final third.

That is however if Louza remains at Vicarage Road - Capology estimates that he is earning around £32,500 a week so is a top earner, and there may be interested parties across Europe, given his class and experience.