Watford sign ex-Hammers defender Ogbonna

Angelo Ogbonna played 249 games in nine years with West Ham, scoring 13 goals

Watford have signed former West Ham United defender Angelo Ogbonna on an initial one-year contract.

The 36-year-old was a free agent, having been released by the Hammers after making 17 appearances last season.

They signed him from Italian giants Juventus in the summer of 2015 for a reported £10m.

He joins a Watford squad that has won all three Championship games this season, along with their EFL Cup first round tie, under head coach Tom Cleverley.

Ogbonna, who made an appearance from the bench in West Ham's Europa Conference League final victory in 2023, is Watford's eighth summer signing.

He made over 200 appearances for the Hammers in the Premier League, with ex-Watford boss Gianluca Zola the only Italian to have exceeded that figure.

"It is very important to bring in some experience, like with Moussa [Sissoko]," Ogbonna told the club website.

“I have spoken with the manager a couple of times, so I know his style of play. I am here to try my best and to try to help the team.”