Emmanuel Dennis linked with Watford return after Nottingham Forest exit

By Oluwadamilola Olaleye

Nigeria forward Emmanuel Dennis is reportedly in talks over a potential return to Watford, following his departure from Nottingham Forest earlier this month.

Now a free agent after mutually terminating his contract with Forest, the 26-year-old has been weighing his options amid interest from several clubs across Europe.

Sources suggest Dennis turned down multiple offers from Turkish sides as he seeks a move that will keep him in one of the continent’s more competitive leagues.

Earlier in the transfer window, the former Club Brugge striker appeared close to a switch to Scottish champions Celtic, but negotiations ultimately fell through.

According to The Daily Mail (UK), Watford are now exploring the possibility of re-signing the Nigerian international, in a move that would mark a notable reunion.

Dennis previously enjoyed a productive stint at Vicarage Road after joining Watford in 2021, scoring 10 goals and providing six assists in 35 Premier League appearances.

His performances earned him a £10 million move to Nottingham Forest, though his impact there was limited.

Despite his stated ambition to remain at the top level, the striker is now reportedly open to Championship offers, with the January transfer window approaching and few top-flight opportunities materializing.

Watford, currently pushing for a return to the Premier League, are seeking to bolster their attacking options under the leadership of returning manager Javi Gracia, who recently replaced Paolo Pezzolano.

The Hornets view Dennis as a familiar and proven option who could provide immediate impact in their play-off push.

While talks remain at an exploratory stage, a move back to Watford could offer Dennis the stability and playing time he needs to revive his club career—while giving the Championship side a crucial attacking boost.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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