The Hornets will not activate the option to permanently sign Formose Mendy from Lorient. The signing has been unsuccessful due to a combination of ongoing family issues, language problems, and underperformance.

Formose Mendy leaves Lorient to join Watford on a one-season loan. The 24-year-old central defender departs from the Morbihan region as part of a strategic move by Lorient, who simultaneously bolstered their squad by acquiring 18-year-old winger Trevan Sanusi from Newcastle on a similar one-season loan without an option to buy. Mendy's transfer is a tactical decision amidst Lorient's challenging start to the season, aiming to revitalize their lineup.