Watford are set to face competition from fellow Championship clubs in their pursuit of League Two top scorer James Berry, according to reports.
The Chesterfield winger has caught the eye of several clubs after an impressive start to the season. With four goals and one assist in 11 appearances, Berry has played a pivotal role in Chesterfield’s attack, contributing to half of their league goals so far this campaign. At just 23 years old, Berry’s form in front of goal has attracted interest from three Championship clubs, including Watford, Swansea City, and Blackburn Rovers.
Football Insider’s Peter O’Rourke has reported that these clubs are closely monitoring Berry, who joined Chesterfield last summer and played a key part in their National League title-winning season. Despite having a contract that runs until 2026, Chesterfield are reportedly expecting bids for the young winger when the January transfer window opens.
Berry, who emerged through Liverpool’s academy before moving to Wigan Athletic and Hull City, has taken an unconventional route to his current form. Released by Hull City in 2022, he signed for Macclesfield, where he spent a productive spell in non-league football, making 67 appearances. His performances caught the attention of Chesterfield, who purchased him from Macclesfield last summer for an undisclosed fee.
The winger’s Championship experience with Hull City, though limited, has likely contributed to his growth as a player, and his current form in League Two has sparked interest from clubs higher up the English football pyramid. In particular, Watford will be looking to bolster their attacking options after a recent dip in form, which has seen them go three games without a win in the Championship, dropping to eighth in the table. As they prepare to face Sunderland at Vicarage Road, the Hornets will be eager to get back to winning ways and may see Berry as a long-term solution to strengthen their squad.
Swansea City, who are level on points with Watford, have also been closely watching Berry’s progress. The Welsh side has enjoyed a recent uptick in form, securing victories against Norwich City and Cardiff City, which has helped them climb the Championship table. Meanwhile, Blackburn Rovers, who are the highest-placed team monitoring Berry, remain unbeaten this season, further intensifying the competition for the in-demand winger.
Berry’s versatility as a left winger and his ability to score from open play—unlike many of his fellow top scorers who have relied on penalties—make him an attractive prospect for clubs looking to add depth to their attacking line. Chesterfield may have a battle on their hands to keep hold of him, with January expected to bring multiple bids for their star man.
Despite the rising interest, Chesterfield will be hoping to keep Berry until the end of the season, as his contributions will be vital in their push for promotion from League Two. If they do decide to sell, they will likely push for a substantial fee given his importance to the team.
Our View
James Berry’s rise in League Two has not gone unnoticed, and Watford’s interest makes perfect sense given their current form and need for more attacking options. While Watford have had a strong start to the season, their recent dip in form shows the need for reinforcement, and Berry could offer a new dimension to their forward line.
However, while Berry has impressed in League Two, a move to the Championship might be a bit premature at this stage of his career. It could benefit both Berry and Watford if the young winger stays with Chesterfield for the full season, gaining more experience and further proving his value. If he continues to shine, Watford could face even stiffer competition for his signature next summer.
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