Imrân Louza completes €7m move from Watford to Panathinaikos

Moroccan midfielder Imrân Louza has completed his move to Greek side Panathinaikos from Watford, signing a three-year contract after the clubs agreed a deal worth about €7 million.

The 27-year-old midfielder joins a Panathinaikos side that finished fourth in the Greek Super League last season, bringing an end to his time with the English club.

Panathinaikos officially confirmed the signing, with Louza becoming the latest addition to a squad that already includes several players familiar to him from his career in France and Morocco.

“Panathinaikos announces the signing of Imran Louza. The 27-year-old Moroccan midfielder has joined the ‘Clover’ from English club Watford and has signed a three-year contract ,” the Panathinaikos statement said.

Louza will now begin a new chapter in Greece after developing through the academy system at FC Nantes before moving to England.

His career has included spells in both the Championship and Ligue 1. After joining Watford, he spent half a season on loan at FC Lorient, gaining further experience before returning to the English club.

The Moroccan international established himself as an important player for Watford, making 111 appearances in the English second division.

His contribution last season was particularly notable. Louza scored seven goals and provided nine assists in 42 appearances, making him one of the club’s more productive players.

Those numbers come as Panathinaikos add a midfielder with considerable experience at second-tier level in England and previous exposure to top-flight football in France.

Louza’s move to Greece will also see him link up with several familiar faces.

He will be reunited with former Lens player Anass Zaroury, while former Nantes team-mates Moussa Sissoko and Pedro Chirivella are also at the Greek club.

The presence of those players could provide Louza with familiar surroundings as he adjusts to a new league and a new stage of his career.

For Panathinaikos, the signing represents an opportunity to add a proven midfielder to their squad following their fourth-place finish last season.

For Louza, it is a chance to continue his career away from England after several seasons with Watford.

The midfielder’s development began at Nantes, where he came through the club’s ranks before making the move to Watford.

His time in England provided him with extensive experience, with more than 100 Championship appearances and a productive final season at the club.

He will now take that experience to Greece under a contract that runs for three years.

The transfer fee has been reported at approximately €7 million, with Watford set to receive the amount for the Moroccan midfielder.

Louza’s arrival gives Panathinaikos an experienced option in midfield and marks the latest move in a career that has taken him from Nantes to England and now Greece.

The 27-year-old will be hoping his strong contribution for Watford last season can provide the platform for a successful spell with his new club.