Former Torino defender Nicolas Nkoulou becomes first signing of Claudio Ranieri’s reign at Watford

Former Marseille and Torino defender Nicolas Nkoulou becomes first signing of Claudio Ranieri’s reign at Watford after the free agent agrees deal until end of the season

  • Watford signed Nkoulou after Francisco Sierralta was ruled out by a thigh injury
  • The 31-year-old centre-back left Torino as a free agent at the end of last season
  • He began his career at Monaco and made over 100 appearances at Marseille


Watford have confirmed the signing of free agent defender Nicolas Nkoulou.

The 31-year-old left Italian side Torino in the summer and will become the first signing of new manager Claudio Ranieri’s reign.

Centre-back Nkoulou has 75 caps for Cameroon and has been brought in with Watford defender Francisco Sierralta facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after tearing a thigh muscle.

Watford have signed defender Nicolas Nkoulou on a deal until the end of the season

Nkoulou was a target for Arsenal and Newcastle in his formative years and has played for Marseille, Lyon and Monaco.

He also had interest from Spezia in Serie A but has chosen to join Watford.  

Nkoulou began his professional career at Monaco and went on to make over 100 Ligue 1 appearances during a five-year spell at Marseille.

The 31-year-old arrives at Vicarage Road as a free agent and boasts a wealth of experience

The 31-year-old arrives at Vicarage Road as a free agent and boasts a wealth of experience

Claudio Ranieri, 69, became the 14th Watford manager in 10 years on Tuesday

Claudio Ranieri, 69, became the 14th Watford manager in 10 years on Tuesday

After a season with Lyon, Nkoulou moved to Serie A side Torino, with whom he spent two years before departing as a free agent at the end of last season.

The 31-year-old, who has agreed a deal until the end of the season, has played in two World Cups and helped his country win the African Cup of Nations title in 2017. 

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