Watford land Venezuelan wonderkid that’s breaking Messi records

Watford have already made four signings during this winter transfer window, but have potentially landed the most exciting of all in securing their fifth.

The Hornets have completed deals for Mario Suarez, Nordin Amrabat, Costel Pantilimon and, on deadline day, Abdoulaye Doucoure, but none of that quartet can claim to be better than Lionel Messi.

Adalberto Penaranda, who the club recently unveiled as their latest acquisition on Twitter, can.

OFFICIAL: Welcome to #watfordfc, Adalberto Penaranda. The 18-year-old forward has signed a 4.5yr deal with us. pic.twitter.com/0Xy3dzniIx

— Watford FC (@WatfordFC) February 1, 2016

The 18-year-old is joining on a permanent basis from fellow Pozzo-owned club Granada, but will be loaned back to the La Liga outfit for the rest of the season.

The Venezuelan forward has featured for the Spanish side eight times this season, scoring four goals.

Two of those came via a brace against Levante and, in netting them, the El Vigia native became the youngest La Liga player to score a double, bettering Messi’s record.

An exciting prospect whose signing has also drawn comment from Sky Sports’ Spanish expert Guillem Balague, Penaranda has represented his country at both U17 and U20 level but won’t pull on the yellow shirt of Watford until next season at the earliest.

What an exciting, fast, strong forward he is… https://t.co/bUjZhdyODy

— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) February 1, 2016

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £50 in free bets.