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…

Southampton are the latest club to be linked with a move for Emmanuel Dennis.

According to the Daily Echo, the Watford attacker has garnered plenty of Premier League interest, with the Saints now competing to sign the Nigerian.

Here we ask our FLW writers their verdict on what the 24-year old is worth to the Hornets and if he would be a good addition to Ralph Hassenhuttl’s team… 

Marcus Ally

Watford signing Dennis for just £3.6 million, according to Transfermarkt, last summer has to be one of the biggest bargains of the 2021 summer window.

After the season that he had, and with four years remaining on his contract at Vicarage Road, £20 million has to be a minimum starting point to entertain any offers for the Nigerian. 

 

 

The Saints finished the season very poorly and could well be amongst the favourites for relegation next term, with the teams coming up from the second tier expected to be stronger than last time around. 

If Adam Armstrong does depart this summer, Dennis would be a smart replacement and could take some of the goalscoring burden off of the shoulders of James Ward-Prowse, of which is frankly unsustainable.

Declan Harte

Dennis would be a superb signing for Southampton to make, but it could come at a significant cost.

The Nigerian scored 10 goals and earned six assists in a dismal Watford side. Dennis really stood out as the team’s most exceptional player.

On that basis, the forward should be competing in the Premier League so it would come as no surprise if he did depart Vicarage Road this summer.

But if Watford can keep hold of the 24-year old then they will be well placed to compete for promotion this campaign, with Dennis showing the potential to hit 20+ goals in the second division.

Charlie Gregory

Emmanuel Dennis has proven he can bag goals on a regular basis in the Premier League (at least based on one season in Watford’s first-team so far).

A move to Southampton then could allow us - and the forward - to see how he fares in yet another campaign in the top flight. Plenty of players have been one-season wonders in the Premier League over the years and Dennis will be desperate to prove he isn’t one.

He could likely do superbly in the Championship for Watford if he stayed, at least based on his form in the top flight. He was excellent despite their relegation battle last season and could probably double his amount in the second tier.

Dennis though might not get the chance to light up the second tier - and Southampton could really benefit from having him in their forward line.