On winter deadline day, Watford completed the signing of Pierre Acqua from AS Saint-Étienne on a loan deal.
reverse oppositeA website that dedicates its coverage to the French club, takes a look at the midfielder's situation at Watford.
Championship side take Acqua on loan until the end of the season Confirmed Option to buy.
Various sources have stated that the buyout clause is around €7m, while the Ligue 2 side have made no mention of a purchase option.
Akwa's clash at Watford
The 24-year-old has experience playing in the Championship with Sunderland.
Acquah has not made any appearances for the Hornets since returning to the league. In fact, he has not even found a place in the match-day squad for his new club.
The outlet now gives its opinion on why the former Black Cats midfielder has yet to make his Watford debut.
To understand this, it is important to know in detail his sale to the French club. He initially joined them on loan from Sunderland in August 2024 and made 30 appearances in all competitions last season.
Conflict over the sale of Aqua to Saint-Étienne
Saint-Étienne had secured a purchase option from Regis Le Bris. He activated it despite being relegated from Ligue 1 last summer.
This did not please the French, who refused to play or train with Saint-Étienne. sports witness covered drama Around this saga at the beginning of the season.
there was also talk of Potential legal battle To resolve the dispute. It is unclear whether there is one at this time, but Acqua decided to temporarily leave Saint-Étienne to join Watford.
Due to his conflict with the Ligue 2 side, he stopped representing them in training or in official or friendly matches. The outlet points out that his last meeting with Saint-Étienne was their 3-2 defeat against Toulouse in May 2025.
Therefore, for Aqua it is 'normal that it is taking time'. EnvertatContratus suggests he may not return to the field anytime soon.
