Watford Boss Explains Why China-Bound Ighalo Was Not In Squad Vs Millwall

English Premier League club Watford are preparing for life without Odion Ighalo, with the Nigerian striker left out of the squad that lost 1-0 to Millwall in the fourth round of the Emirates FA Cup on Sunday.

Ighalo’s transfer to a Chinese Super League club (not Shanghai Shenhua and Hebei China Fortune) is expected to be finalized in the coming days, bearing it in mind that the Chinese transfer window does not close until February 28.

“This is because there was an offer, he’s talking, he’s negotiating, and I wanted only players who could concentrate on the game,” manager Walter Mazzarri explained why he didn’t select his number 24.

In 100 outings for the Hornets across all competitions, Ighalo recorded 40 goals and provided 10 assists.

A possible move to West Brom this month fell through after the Baggies failed to meet his asking price of 17 million pounds.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel