Former Newcastle United midfielder Moussa Sissoko has returned to England ahead of the 2024/25 season.
The 34-year-old was a free agent heading into the new campaign, after his Nantes contract had expired.
The ex-Newcastle United player has been on the lookout for a new club, and now he has got one. Moussa Sissoko is heading back to one of his former teams in England, but Toon fans do not need to worry – he is not returning to St James’ Park.
Moussa Sissoko re-signs for Watford
Instead, Sissoko is back at Watford.
The Championship club announced on Wednesday morning that the Frenchman has signed a two-year deal with the Hornets, following his release by Nantes.
It is quite the coup for Watford, who previously had Sissoko on their books when they were in the Premier League.
Sissoko spent one season at Vicarage Road, joining Watford from Tottenham Hotspur in 2021. It was a season that ended in relegation for Watford, but Sissoko certainly caught the eye of Tom Cleverley.
He is now the Watford manager, and has told their official website that Sissoko was their best player that season despite relegation.
”He was our best player by a stretch the last time he was here,” he said.
”Even though it wasn’t a successful season for the club, he was one of the positives to come out of it.”
Sissoko ended his Newcastle career as a villain
Sissoko’s spell at Watford came after a few years at Tottenham Hotspur, who he joined from Newcastle United.
The France international signed for Spurs on transfer deadline day in the summer of 2016, moving to North London for £30million.
At the time, Newcastle were in the Championship. They had been relegated the year before, with players like Sissoko failing to keep the Magpies in the top flight.
Despite relegation, Sissoko spent the summer talking up his ability as a Champions League calibre player. Toon fans were happy to see the back of him, and ensured he was heavily booed whenever he returned to St James’ Park.
Sissoko spent five seasons with Tottenham, and was involved in their 2019 Champions League final defeat to Liverpool. That final also included Georginio Wijnaldum – another midfielder who suffered relegation with Newcastle United in 2016.
That was a different era for Newcastle – one that saw players use the club as a stepping stone. Sissoko certainly did that, although he at least allowed the Magpies to make a lot of money. He left for £30million, having only cost £1.8million from Toulouse.
Newcastle certainly got their money’s worth, with Sissoko enjoying some decent spells in black and white. He had the potential to be a really top level player at St James’ Park, but sometimes flattered to deceive.
Despite the way his Toon career ended, Newcastle fans will always remember Sissoko’s home debut against Chelsea. He scored twice in a 3-2 win at St James’ Park, and gave Ashley Cole a torrid time.
When Sissoko left Newcastle, the club was in the Championship. Eight years later and that is where he has ended up, as he prepares for a second spell with Watford.
Watford also linked with Matt Ritchie after Newcastle United release
Watford have also been linked with Matt Ritchie.
The 34-year-old is currently without a club after his Newcastle United career came to an end following the 2023/24 season. Eddie Howe had wanted to keep Ritchie at St James’ Park, but that was not possible when the Magpies missed out on Europe.
The Hornets were the first club to be credited with an interest in Ritchie, but it is Sheffield United who have made him a contract offer.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
