Ismael’s contract’s duration was not made public by the Hornets, but according to The Athletic, he agreed to a three-year contract when he came in the summer.
As a result, his contract won’t end until the summer of 2026, and given the average tenure of a manager in the Championship, it’s unlikely he’ll stay through that term.
This display of support for Ismael has surprised many because the club has a history of quickly removing managers, with Rob Edwards, Slaven Bilic, and Chris Wilder all taking over last season.
Although it’s unknown if one of the stipulations in Ismael’s contract is an automatic extension option, the Hornets appear to be moving forward with negotiations despite this.
What did Valerien Ismael say regarding the contract negotiations with Watford?
Ismael is obviously content in Hertfordshire, and it appears that he would be willing to sign a contract for an extension.
The conversations are still going on, he told the Watford Observer. I have a wonderful vibe about this place, as I have mentioned since day one.
“I believe that everyone was aware of the procedure, and it feels right and good.”
Should Watford already be looking towards contract extensions for Valerien Ismael?
Giving Ismael an extension at this point would be a terrible managerial choice.
Before things went south and there were warning signs during that unbeaten streak at the start of the 2021/22 season, the Frenchman had a terrific start to life at West Brom.
It just seems nonsensical to give him a contract at this moment given the Hornets’ underwhelming start to the season.
Although Ismael put in a lot of effort over the summer to earn new contracts, he must first find greater success in Hertfordshire before extending his stay.
The Hornets will presumably have to pay him more in compensation if he signs an extension then is fired soon after. A new agreement at this time doesn’t make any sense on paper.
Given the Hornets’ disappointing start to the season, it just doesn’t make sense to provide him a deal at this time.
Ismael worked hard over the summer to secure new contracts, but before staying longer, he must achieve better success in Hertfordshire.
If he signs an extension and is promptly fired, the Hornets will probably have to pay him more in compensation. It makes no sense on paper to enter into a new arrangement at this time.
Gary Rowett’s team has had a fairly up-and-down start to the season, winning 1-0 away at Boro before dropping their following two contests.
