Edoardo Bove, the 23-year-old Italian midfielder, has completed a move to Watford on a five-and-a-half year deal. He signed for the Championship club after mutually terminating his contract with AS Roma earlier this month.
Bove suffered a cardiac arrest on December 1, 2024, while on loan at Fiorentina during a Serie A match against Inter Milan. He was subsequently fitted with an implanted defibrillator.
Italian football regulations prohibit players with such devices from competing professionally in Italy. However, English rules allow players with defibrillators to continue their careers.
Bove stated he is "not scared" to return to the pitch and is "eager to get back" with a "historic club like Watford". Watford's assistant sporting director, Valon Behrami, expressed delight at securing a "top, proven talent".
