sevendayweekender – Greek club Panathinaikos have signed Watford midfielder Imran Louza for a fee of around £7m. The 27-year-old has agreed to a four-year contract with the Greek side.
Louza leaves Watford after establishing himself as an important player in the Championship. He enjoyed a particularly productive campaign last season, contributing seven goals and nine assists in 42 league appearances.
His performances made him one of the Championship’s standout midfielders. Louza also served as Watford captain before the club changed its leadership ahead of the new season.
Watford’s new head coach Alessio Dionisi selected centre-back Mattie Pollock as captain before the campaign began. Louza subsequently continued his involvement with the squad despite losing the captaincy.
The midfielder did not feature in a competitive match for Watford this season. His only recent appearance came during a pre-season friendly against Fiorentina in July.
Louza played 20 minutes in that match before beginning his move away from Vicarage Road. Panathinaikos eventually completed the transfer for a fee in the region of £7m.
The move ends Louza’s four-year association with Watford. He initially joined the English club from French side Nantes during the summer of 2021.
Louza spent part of the 2023-24 campaign back in France. He joined Lorient on loan in January 2024 for five months before returning to Watford that summer.
Since returning from that loan spell, Louza became a regular part of Watford’s midfield. He has made 81 appearances across the past two seasons.
His influence grew significantly during the previous Championship campaign. His seven goals and nine assists demonstrated his ability to contribute both creatively and directly in the final third.
Louza Leaves Watford After 81 Appearances Across Two Seasons
Panathinaikos have secured Louza on a long-term contract following his impressive spell with Watford. The four-year agreement will keep the midfielder at the Greek club through the 2029-30 season.
Louza brings significant experience from English and French football. His career has included spells with Nantes, Watford, and Lorient.
He developed in France before moving to England in 2021. Watford signed him from Nantes as they sought to strengthen their midfield options.
His time at Lorient provided a temporary return to French football. Louza spent five months there before returning to Watford in the summer of 2024.
The midfielder then became increasingly important to Watford during the following campaigns. His 81 appearances across two seasons demonstrate his regular involvement.
Last season was particularly productive for Louza. He recorded 16 goal contributions across 42 Championship appearances.
His seven goals and nine assists combined attacking output with creativity from midfield. Those numbers helped reinforce his reputation within the Championship.
Louza also carried leadership responsibilities at Watford. He was appointed captain before Dionisi selected Pollock as the club’s new skipper.
The change in captaincy came before Watford’s competitive fixtures this season. Louza ultimately left the club without appearing in a competitive match during the campaign.
His move to Panathinaikos now provides a fresh challenge. The Greek club will expect his creativity and experience to strengthen their midfield.
Louza was born in France but represents Morocco internationally. He has chosen to play for Morocco at senior international level.
His international background adds another dimension to his career. Louza will now combine that experience with a new chapter in Greek football.
Panathinaikos have committed to the midfielder through a four-year contract. The reported £7m fee also represents a significant investment in his abilities.
For Watford, the transfer concludes the latest stage of Louza’s career at the club. His departure follows a season in which he produced some of his strongest attacking numbers.
For Panathinaikos, the signing brings a midfielder with proven Championship experience. His creativity, goal contributions, and leadership background could become valuable assets for the Greek side.
