This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Watford have today been linked with Derby County midfielder Krystian Bielik.

As per BirminghamLive, the Hornets are understood to be 'leading the race' for the Polish international, with Birmingham City also interested.

Bielik has two years remaining on his current deal with League One outfit Derby County.

Considering the above, here, some of our FLW writers offer their thoughts on the 24-year-old being linked with a move to Vicarage Road.

Ben Wignall

There's absolutely no doubt that Bielik is a talented player, having come through the Arsenal academy, departed for big money and has been capped by the Poland national team.

However, you have to have reservations due to the fact he's had two major knee injuries in recent years, which came in January 2020 and January 2021, with not many games played in-between the two.

Bielik did manage to stay fit though when he returned in January, and he was able to bring some calmness to the Rams' engine room - we all know on his day that the Pole is a very classy Championship operator.

Watford aren't exactly short of midfield options though - in-fact they have about six players who you'd class as at least solid Championship options - so it's a case of whether or not Bielik would get the game-time required to launch him into Poland's World Cup squad at the end of 2022.

If I was Bielik, I'd be waiting on a club that could possibly guarantee me more regular football in the Championship in order to be prepared for the World Cup in November.

 

 

Simmey Hannifin-Donaldson

I'm quite torn on this one.

On the one hand, with the World Cup in Qatar looming, Bielik likely has ambitions to be a part of the Poland squad, and, with the greatest of respects to the third tier, League One is perhaps not the best place to be showcasing your ability ahead of the tournament.

In that sense, it would be a good move for Bielik, however, from Watford's perspective, there are question marks.

These mainly revolve around Bielik's fitness, with the player having suffered two serious injuries in each of the last two campaigns.

Whilst there is clearly talent there, unless the deal is really one worth taking a big punt on and is of very little cost, I'd be hesitant, if I were Watford, to do this deal.

If the Hornets do persist, though, a loan with an option to buy in the future, which would see the Hornets able to assess Bielik's ability and durability throughout the season, could be wise.

Chris Gallagher

This would be a very good signing.

The only concern with any deal for Bielik is his fitness issues. Even after all the bad luck he's had with injuries, his performances didn't drop and he showed his quality with Derby at times last season.

So, if Watford can get the Polish international in on loan then it's a no-brainer, as they're getting someone who could make a big impact on the team and there's no real risk.

Bielik will also be desperate to prove himself over the next few months as he battles for a place in the Poland squad for the World Cup, so Watford would be getting a motivated player.

It may not be the most eye-catching deal on the summer but if Edwards can bring in the defensive midfielder on loan it would be a smart bit of business.