Both Watford and Wolverhampton Wanderers are preparing for a demanding 2026/27 Championship campaign, albeit from very different starting points in terms of their expectations. It’s fair to say that Watford have been heading in the wrong direction for several years now despite possessing a number of exciting players, particularly in attacking areas. The likes of Othmane Maamma, Imran Louza, Nestory Irankunda, Kwadwo Baah, and Giorgi Chakvetadze all provide reasons for optimism. However, the club’s persistent managerial churn and inability to build continuity have prevented them from making meaningful progress up the table and 15th, 14th, and 16th have been their last three league finishes. As a result, they have drifted further away from promotion contention rather than moving closer to a return to the Premier League. That leaves prospective new boss Alessio Dionisi with a sizeable task on his hands. The Italian will do well to reverse Watford’s fortunes in what appears to be a particularly competitive Championship season, with several clubs harbouring realistic promotion ambitions.
Wolves and Watford eye Fluminese striker John Kennedy
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Among the clubs with promotion ambitions is Wolves, who are looking to bounce back at the first time of asking following relegation from the Premier League under Rob Edwards. They will need additions this summer to ensure they can do that. Also, given both clubs are likely to target some similar profiles of young and high-upside players, it would not be a surprise to see Watford and Wolves competing for some of the same transfer targets this summer. One of those has since been outlined, with Watford and Wolves both said to be keeping a close eye on Fluminense striker John Kennedy. Reports from Brazil indicate the two English clubs have made enquiries about a possible move in the summer transfer window.
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Fluminense are said to be open to a sale, but only if an offer arrives above €10 million (£8.5 million) for the 24-year-old. However, both Udinese and Cagliari have joined the Championship duo in contacting Fluminense, according to journalist Joao Van Boysen. He is in the final year of his contract but could be in demand after 35 appearances for the Brazilian giants where he scored 14 goals and notched a further two assists, becoming one of their most effective attacking players. Kennedy is a man for the big occasion after he scored the extra-time winner for Fluminense in the 2023 Copa Libertadores final, which was a goal that secured the biggest trophy in the club’s recent history.
The best use of Watford’s and Wolves’ resources might be to use £8.5 million elsewhere
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Kennedy’s height, or lack of it, would not necessarily be a deal-breaker in the modern Championship, but it does raise questions about how each club would utilise him. At around 5’8″, Kennedy might offer mobility and intensity rather than aerial dominance.
For Wolves, the fit is slightly less obvious because they already possess a smaller, instinctive goalscorer in Adam Armstrong. Unless Rob Edwards sees Kennedy as a wide forward or second striker, there is a risk of duplication rather than complementarity. Wolves may instead prioritise a centre-forward capable of occupying centre-backs and providing a focal point.
At Watford, the argument is stronger. Pairing Kennedy with towering striker Luca Kjerrumgaard could create a classic big-man/little-man partnership, with the Brazilian feeding off knockdowns and space created by his strike partner via second balls. The question is whether that is the most effective use of resources in 2026. Most successful sides now prioritise fluid front threes or with goals from off of the wings, rather than rigid strike pairings. While Kennedy and Kjerrumgaard could work, Watford may ultimately extract more value elsewhere for £8.5 million or thereabouts.
