Krepin Diatta targets Premier League return after joining Watford on free transfer

Krepin Diatta is targeting a return to the Premier League after joining Championship side Watford on a free transfer, bringing an end to his five-and-a-half-year spell with French club AS Monaco.

The Senegal international has signed a one-year contract with the Hornets, with the option of a further year, and will wear the number 15 shirt as he begins a new chapter at Vicarage Road.

Watford confirmed the deal in a statement, saying: “Watford have completed the signing of Senegal international Krepin Diatta.”

The move gives Diatta an opportunity to help Watford push back towards the English top flight, having previously watched the club compete in the Premier League.

Diatta believes Watford belong in Premier League

Diatta made clear his ambitions after completing the move, insisting Watford have the stature to return to the Premier League.

“I am very happy to join the team,” he told the club’s website.

“After talking with the people here, the project was very clear in my head. Watford is a top club that was in the Premier League not too long ago, and I think this is the place they should be.”

The 26-year-old arrives at a Watford team currently struggling near the bottom of the Championship. The Hornets sit 20th in the 24-team division after eight matches, having collected eight points from two wins, two draws and four defeats.

Diatta will therefore be expected to use his experience at the highest level to help the club improve its fortunes and potentially mount a push towards the Premier League.

Watford move revives Senegal prospects

The transfer also comes at an important point in Diatta’s international career.

The winger was omitted from Senegal’s squad for the opening round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Mozambique and Ethiopia because he was without a club.

Senegal head coach Patrick Vieira confirmed the reason for his absence when announcing the squad.

“The answer is quite simple and clear: Krepin Diatta isn’t here because he doesn’t have a club,” Vieira said.

With that issue now resolved, Diatta has the chance to regain regular club football and strengthen his case for a return to the Senegal squad.

He was part of the Senegal team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and has earned 65 senior international caps. His experience also includes 19 appearances in the UEFA Champions League.

From Senegal youth ranks to Monaco

Diatta’s rise through Senegal’s national teams began at youth level.

He represented the Senegal Under-20 side at the 2017 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, scoring twice during the tournament. His first goal came in a seven-goal thriller against South Africa when he headed home in the 70th minute.

He struck again in added time of the first half against Cameroon as Senegal progressed through the competition.

Senegal eventually finished runners-up after losing 2-0 to Zambia in the final, a result that nevertheless secured qualification for the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup in South Korea.

Diatta featured in Senegal’s 2-0 opening-round victory over Saudi Arabia on May 22, 2017. The West Africans were later eliminated in the round of 16 after a 1-0 defeat to Mexico.

Experience built across Europe

Diatta began his senior club career with Norwegian side Sarpsborg 08, where he made 22 appearances and scored three goals.

His performances earned him a move to Belgian giants Club Brugge, where he developed further and found the net 18 times in 95 appearances.

Monaco subsequently secured his services, beginning a five-and-a-half-year association that saw him make 114 appearances and score six goals.

Diatta also reached the Coupe de France final during his first season at the French club, adding domestic cup experience to his growing European résumé.

Now at Watford, he arrives with a considerable body of experience and the opportunity to revive his club and international career in England.

For Diatta, the immediate objective is to establish himself at Vicarage Road, contribute to Watford’s recovery in the Championship and help the club chase the Premier League return he believes it deserves.