Premier League new-boys Watford have announced the signing of left back Jose Holebas from Italian runners-up Roma for £1.8 million plus add-ons.
The Greek defender, whose contract will keep him at the Hornets for three years, will immediately join up with the squad as they begin their pre-season preparation.
Watford’s new recruit made 24 appearances, scoring one goal for the Italian club, whom he only joined last summer from Greek champions Olympiacos.
Holebas spent the majority of his career playing in the German lower divisions for clubs such as Viktoria Kahl and 1860 Munich, and only made the switch to top-flight football in 2010, when he joined Olympiacos.
The German-born fullback’s career got off to a shaky start. At age 18, Holebas’ girlfriend became pregnant, prompting him to briefly hang up his boots and work double shifts as a warehouse assistant to help provide for his family.
With some guidance from his uncle, however, he returned to the field with local youth side Aschaffenburg-Damm between 2002-2005, and signed his first professional contract with the 1860 Munich first team in the summer of 2007.
Holebas joins Austrian defender Sebastian Prödl and Lithuanian goalkeeper Giedrius Arlauskis as the club’s third summer signing thus far.
Watford begin their Premier League season with a tough away fixture against Everton on August 8th, but Quique Flores’ side will be looking to make a strong impression following their eight year absence from the English top-flight.
