OFFICIAL: Zarate sold to Watford

In an expected move, Mauro Zarate has left Fiorentina to return to the English Premier League, moving on a permanent transfer to Watford for around €2.75m.

The Argentine forward, who can also play as an attacking midfielder, moved to Fiorentina from West Ham last January as a short term injection of attacking talent. Although he remained inconsistent as he has most of his career, he nevertheless had a few moments of brilliance.

Zarate missed time at the start of this season as he returned to Argentina to care for his sick wife. He memorably scored twice in the Europa League on his return to the team in late September, dedicating the goals to his wife.

He was unable to get back into Paulo Sousa’s favor however, and he mostly remained a depth player this season, leading to speculation for months now that he was on his way out.

With mystery man Hernan Toledo, ironically dubbed the “next Zarate” after being signed on loan during the offseason, on his way to La Liga’s Las Palmas, it’s looking increasingly likely that next year’s Fiorentina squad will be lacking Argentines.