Watford sign ex-Middlesbrough defender Bola

Marc Bola played 96 Championship games for Middlesbrough between 2019-23

Watford have signed former Middlesbrough defender Marc Bola on a free transfer from Turkish Super Lig side Samsunspor.

The 27-year-old, who joins on a three-year deal, started his career at Arsenal but moved on to Blackpool before spending four seasons in the Championship at Boro.

Bola did not make a first-team appearance during his time with the Gunners but after leaving Middlesbrough for Turkey in 2023 he helped Samsunspor qualify for next season's Europa League for the first time in their history.

"We really want to get promoted as a team, we've got big plans and I'm just happy to be on board," Bola told the Watford website.

"I have unfinished business in this league and I feel like this is the right club to be a part of to achieve that goal."