With the sale of Brazilian wonderkid Richarlison to Premier League rivals Everton, and with captain Troy Deeney being linked with a move away from Vicarage Road, many are calling for reinforcements to the Hornets squad.

But, with a number of superbly talented youngster on their books at Watford, who won’t count towards their 25-man squad, perhaps Javi Gracia might just cope fine without dipping into the transfer market again this summer.

The Hornets were riddled with injuries last season, with a report by Sky Sports stating they lost players for a combined 1,871 days through knocks, the most in England’s top flight, making the chances of seeing some youth talent ever more likely.

With that in mind, here is a look at six youngsters to keep an eye out for at Vicarage Road this season.

7. Pontus Dahlberg

Pontus Dahlberg, who originally signed for Watford in January 2018, is one to keep an eye on as we approach the start of the new Premier League campaign.

The 19-year-old Swedish international has been training with the Hornets first team during preseason, and while the experienced Ben Foster or Heurelho Gomes may wear the number one jersey, the young Swede might just be given the chance to be Watford’s number one.

Dahlberg impressed last season whilst on loan at his former side IFK Goteborg, and with five years left on his contract at Vicarage Road, could be Javi Gracia’s first choice for many years to come.

6. Pervis Estupinan

Pervis Estupinan has never made an appearance for Watford since signing at Vicarage Road back in July 2016, and spent last season on loan at Segunda Division side UD Almeria where he made 26 appearances.

The 20-year-old left back made two La Liga appearances in during his loan spell at Watford’s former sister club Granada in 2017, with his debut coming against Deportivo de la Coruna in April 2017, before joining UD Almeria the season later.

Estupinan, who has been subject to interest from the likes of Porto and Sporting CP this summer, has found the net seven times in his 22 appearances for the Ecuador Under-17 and Under-20 sides.

5. Lewis Gordon

Lewis Gordon signed his first professional contract at Vicarage Road in March, and could be set to make his first ever first team appearance this coming season.

The 17-year-old, who has been at club since the age of seven, progressed through the youth ranks last season, making appearances for the Under-18s and the Under-23s, even scoring the winning goal for the former in their FA Youth Cup tie with Sunderland.

The versatile player received a call up to the Scotland Under-17 side as a result of his impressive individual campaign, and was part of the first team squad for their preseason friendly against Wimbledon, making an appearance as a second half substitute.

4. Ben Wilmot

Ben Wilmot signed for Watford from fellow Herefordshire side Stevenage on a five-year contract in a deal worth around £1m this summer, despite reported interest from North London sides Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

The 18-year-old featured 15 times in all competitions for the League Two side last season, but impressed enough to win the divisions Apprentice of the Year award for the 2017/18 campaign.

Under the reign of Javi Gracia, the youngster has been converted into a deep lying central midfielder during the Hornets successful preseason, in which he has featured in every game.

Wilmot received an unexpected, but fully deserved, international call up for the England Under-19s in March for their 2018 European Championship qualifiers, making his debut in a 3-0 victory against Latvia.

3. Ashley Charles

Ashley Charles signed his first professional contract with the Hornets in June 2016, but has not made an appearance for the first team in a competitive game.

The 19-year-old midfielder did train with the first team last season under the reign of Javi Gracia, and has made two appearances for Watford during their preseason friendlies against Stevenage and Brentford.

The youngster often represents well above his age group for the Under-23s, and could even make some appearances in the Premier League this coming season.

2. Adalberto Peñaranda

Adalberto Peñaranda signed for the Hornets back in 2016, but due to reported issues with his work permit, is yet to make an appearance for Watford.

The 21-year-old Venezuelan was part of Javi Gracia’s training squad during their preseason camp, giving Hornets fans hope this could be the year he finally breaks into the first team after two years of waiting.

The young forward has enjoyed loan spells at Granada and Udinese, before signing for Malaga on a one-year loan deal last season, but the Watford faithful hope he can provide competition for places anywhere across the front line during this campaign. And given the chance, he could be the perfect replacement for Richarlison.

1. Alex Jakubiak