Panathinaikos secure Morocco-born midfielder Imran Louza from Watford

Moroccan midfielder Imran Louza has joined Panathinaikos from Watford, completing a move to the Greek Super League 1 club and signing a contract until 30 June 2029.

The 27-year-old central midfielder leaves Watford’s Championship squad after joining the English club from FC Nantes for €10m on 1 July 2021. His move to Athens was completed on 28 August 2026.

Louza holds Moroccan and French nationality and was born in Nantes. He is a left-footed midfielder who stands 1.78m tall, and began his football development with Nantes before progressing through the club’s youth and reserve teams.

He joined Nantes’ under-17 side in 2014, moved into the under-19 team two years later and stepped up to the club’s B team in 2017. In 2019, he moved from Nantes B into the senior club structure before earning his transfer to Watford.

During his time in England, Louza also spent part of the 2023-24 campaign on loan at FC Lorient. He joined the French club from Watford on 15 January 2024 and returned to Vicarage Road on 30 June of that year.

The switch to Panathinaikos takes Louza from England’s second tier to Greece’s top division. It follows a career path that has included senior football in France and England, alongside his temporary spell with Lorient.

Louza’s move to Watford in 2021 was the first permanent transfer recorded in his senior career. He now begins a new chapter in Greece, with his Panathinaikos contract running through June 2029.