Watford rip up Joshua King and Rob Elliot’s contracts as Andre Gray prepares to sign three-year deal at Thessaloniki
WATFORD’S clearout following relegation is continuing after they terminated the contracts of Joshua King and Rob Elliot.
The Hornets returned to the Championship for the second time in three seasons after a miserable campaign in the Premier League.
That led to the club releasing a whopping 27 players at the end of last season.
Goalkeeper Ben Foster, defender Nicolas Nkoulou, midfielder Juraj Kucka and forward Andre Gray were the most senior stars to be granted free transfers.
They also announced that 19 U23 players and four U18s have been released.
No Watford have confirmed that ex-Manchester United transfer target King, 30, and 36-year-old goalkeeper Elliot are joining the exodus.
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Norwegian international King joined them from Everton in January 2021 on a free transfer.
He scored five goals in 31 Premier League games for them last term, but is now looking for a new employer.
Elliot spent two years with the Hornets but his role was largely as back-up for Foster.
His only first-team game time came early last season in the Carabao Cup.
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Sporting Director Cristiano Giaretta said: “We wish both players well for the future.
“In the case of Rob, he indicated he would wish to consider retirement but the decision is his now, of course.
“We are continuing to consider our options for the third goalkeeper and we need to make sensible choices with the Rule of 11 to consider.”
Meanwhile Gray, who is engaged to Little Mix pop star Leigh-Ann Pinnock, is set to move to Greece.
Despite interest from Preston, he has reached an agreement to join Aris Thessaloniki.
He is now expected in Thessaloniki on Saturday to sign a two-year deal with the option of a further 12 months.