The 2021/22 campaign was a total disaster for Watford.

Struggling badly on their return to the top-flight after promotion from the Championship, the club went through three managers on their way to a 19th-placed Premier League finish.

The appointment of Rob Edwards has brought optimism in WD18 that things this upcoming season could be different, though, with the club said to want to shake the ‘hire and fire’ reputation they have gained in recent years.

Transfer activity so far this summer has been rather quiet at the club, surprisingly.

Many expected quite a big re-build, but so far, there has been just two arrivals – forwards Vakoun Bayo and Rey Manaj.

Emmanuel Dennis and Ismaila Sarr are still on the books, too, however, surely that will change before the end of the current window.

With finances likely to be somewhat tight after relegation, one area the club could target is free agency.

At this stage, the best out there have already been snapped up, but here are eight options potentially worth considering for the Hornets, for various reasons.

One area that is potentially going to need reinforcements is the goalkeeping department at the club.

Maduka Okoye will be the likely starter having been signed in January, and as such, you have to think Daniel Bachmann will be looking for pastures new.

In that case, having lost Rob Elliot as third choice, Kieren Westwood could be a good pickup for the club.

A veteran at 37 and available on a free, the former Irish international could fill that third goalkeeping spot for the club this summer.

Similarly, Ben Hamer could also be another that could be a good free agent addition.

Like Westwood, Hamer wouldn't threaten the number one position, however, he could be a solid back up/third choice.

Potentially, the arrival of someone like Hamer, if Bachmann leaves, could free up Pontus Dahlberg for another loan spell, if the club feel he needs it.

He should be able to deputise though, with Hamer challenging him for the number two spot.

At centre-back, the club are looking well stocked at present.

However, there is still a bit of uncertainty over the future of Samir at left-centre-back.

Given that he is the only left-footed option the Hornets currently have, Yoann Barbet could be worth considering following his release from QPR.

The 29-year-old has been a key player at Loftus Road over the last few seasons and there are certainly worse options out there on a free this summer.

Potentially one worth considering for the Hornets, particularly if Samir leaves.

Another free agent worth considering could be Gary Cahill.

Now 36, Cahill is undoubtedly in the latter stages of his career, but he showed at Bournemouth in the first half of last season that he can still play well at this level.

An experienced, dominant defender, he would certainly be an option for Rob Edwards to consider for the central role in his three-man backline.

A one year deal for the former Chelsea man would be low risk and potentially high reward for the Hornets.

Linked with the club back in May, Jean Paul Boetus could be another player perhaps worth considering for Watford this summer.

Usually you would say Boetus would be out of reach, but given the links, there could be a chance the Hornets could pull this off.

The club currently have Domingos Quina and highly-rated Colombian youngster Yaser Asprilla in the attacking midfield positions, but given they're both young, it could be viewed as a risk.

Boetus is proven in some of the best league's in the world and would absolutely thrive playing Championship football.

Perhaps this one is a tad ambitious, though, admittedly.

Another area that the club could perhaps do with additions is the central midfield department.

Dan Gosling and Tom Cleverley are good options at Championship level, but another addition in the position would not go a miss.

That said, Massimo Luongo, who recently departed Sheffield Wednesday could perhaps be an option.

Luongo has shown previously at QPR and with Wednesday that he is a good Championship operator, and on a free, this is a player well worth considering for the Hornets.

With Rob Edwards likely to want to play with wing-backs, Kiko Femenia should thrive this season.

However, Jeremy Ngakia may be a player that isn't best suited to the role.

At this stage, Ngakia could really benefit from a Championship loan where he is getting regular minutes, and bringing in someone like Cyrus Christie as a back up to Kiko could free him up to go out temporarily.

Watford were linked with the player back in May, too, with the 29-year-old an experienced operator in the second-tier.

Another player that could come in, and this time even push Kiko Femenia for a start, is Ryan Nyambe.

It looked like he was off to Middlesbrough, however, clubs have reportedly hijacked the deal at the last minute.

With that uncertainty, there could be an opportunity for Watford to pounce.

Nyambe was at Blackburn Rovers prior to his departure this summer and at 24 has racked up over 150 Championship appearances.

Having played right-wing-back at times last campaign, the 24-year-old could be a really good pick up and certainly one well worth considering for Rob Edwards this summer.

The club may have to act quickly to get this one done, though.