Othmane Maamma is being linked with a host of Premier League clubs after starring at the Under-20 World Cup and emerging as an exciting player for Watford
Othmane Maamma of Watford(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
A Watford prospect is reportedly attracting interesting from a host of top Premier League clubs – with Liverpool among them.
Othmane Maamma, a 20-year-old forward, joined Watford from French club Montpellier during last summer’s transfer window, and has impressed since breaking into the team in November.
Maamma registered three goals and an assists in the Championship in December, and it is that kind of form that reportedly prompted scouts from Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle to go and watch him in action.
Scouts are reported by TEAMtalk to have attended Watford’s 3-0 win over Birmingham on New Year’s Day, in which Maamma appeared for 70 minutes before being withdrawn.
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Maamma was born in France in 2005, but represents Morocco on the international stage, and his performances at last year’s Under-20 World Cup earned him the Golden Ball, which is awarded to the tournament’s best player.
The youngster registered a goal and four assists during the tournament, which was won by Morocco, and also captained his country for the round-of-16 and quarter-final games.
It is since he returned from that tournament that he has started to show his quality for Watford, and scouts from nearly a dozen clubs were reportedly in attendance to watch him on New Year’s Day.
As well as Liverpool, United and Newcastle, it is claimed that scouts from Brighton, Brentford and Sunderland were also present for the game at Vicarage Road.
Maamma won the Golden Ball at the Under-20 World Cup(Image: 2025 FIFA)
Maamma is proficient with both feet, which makes him an effective player off either flank, and although he only arrived at Watford for just over $1 million last year, he would certainly command a fee several times higher than that amount were he to depart the club this year.
Watford manager Javi Gracia expressed how pleased he was for Maamma after he won the player of the tournament award at the U20 World Cup.
“We are really happy for Othmane because you can feel he’s very happy with these rewards, all the squad is happy with these rewards and it’s good for all the team, all the players,” Gracia said in November. “I think it’s good he had that recognition.”
Last month, Gracia said he was pleased on a selfish level after Maamma was overlooked for Morocco’s senior squad for the Africa Cup of Nations, before going on to praise the youngster again.
“He’s showing it in every single game,” Gracia said. “He has what he needs to play here and I don’t have a doubt about his quality and his attitude.”