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
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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