Soccer-Watford sign Senegal winger Sarr for club record fee on deadline day

Watford has signed Senegal international winger Ismaila Sarr from French club Rennes on a five-year contract for a club-record fee, the Premier League side said on Thursday. Watford did not disclose the transfer fee but French media reported it was in the region of 32 million pounds ($38.79 million), eclipsing the 18.5 million pounds they paid for forwarding Andre Gray in 2017.

"Watford has completed a new club record transfer following the deadline day arrival of highly sought-after Senegal international Ismaila Sarr," the club said in a statement. "The Hornets have beaten off strong competition to secure the services of the 21-year-old winger from Rennes, who has agreed with a five-year contract with the Hornets."

Sarr, who has also played 23 times for Senegal, made 35 Ligue 1 appearances for Rennes last season, tallying eight goals and six assists. He is Watford's third senior recruit of the close season after they signed striker Danny Welbeck and center back Craig Dawson.

Watford, who finished 11th under Javi Gracia last season, begin their league campaign on Saturday when they host Brighton and Hove Albion. ($1 = 0.8249 pounds)

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