Yasser Larouci will leave Watford at the end of the season after the club opted not to activate the purchase option in his loan agreement, despite a campaign marked by consistent performances and regular starts in the Championship.
The Algerian international, on loan from French side ESTAC Troyes, made 42 appearances during the 2024–25 season, registering three assists and becoming a reliable presence on the left flank for the Hornets.
Larouci missed just five matches in April due to injury, before returning in time for the club’s final league fixture.
Watford’s decision not to retain the 24-year-old has raised eyebrows, particularly given the team’s 14th-place finish and apparent need for reinforcement ahead of next season.
Larouci’s energetic displays and attacking intent from defence made him one of the more consistent performers in an otherwise underwhelming campaign for the Hertfordshire side.
His departure signals another career crossroads for the El Oued-born defender. Still under contract with Troyes until 2026, Larouci is not expected to remain at the Ligue 2 outfit, with a move away from France now appearing increasingly likely.
After back-to-back loan stints in England, first with Sheffield United followed by his most recent spell at Watford, Larouci is thought to be seeking a more permanent opportunity to establish himself at the top level.
Having started his career at Liverpool, where he came through the youth system and made senior appearances, Larouci has long been viewed as a promising talent with a profile suited to modern football.
His pace, stamina and willingness to contribute offensively down the flank have been hallmarks of his style, attributes that could appeal to a number of clubs seeking a dynamic full-back.
On the international front, Larouci is also at a pivotal stage. Absent from the Algerian national team since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, he remains hopeful of a return to the squad.
However, national team selection is likely to hinge on his ability to secure regular football at a high level, ideally in a top-tier league, and to maintain the form he showed over the past season.
Larouci’s next move could therefore prove crucial in determining the trajectory of both his club and international career.
While his departure from Watford may come as a surprise to some, it opens the door to new possibilities with the summer transfer window offering the chance to secure a long-term role better aligned with his ambitions.
At 24, time is still on Larouci’s side. His performances this season have demonstrated not only his resilience but also his capability to thrive in one of Europe’s most physically demanding leagues.
The coming months will reveal which club steps forward to offer him the next stage of his development and whether that opportunity will provide the platform he needs to return to the Algerian national team fold.
