KEY POINTS

  • Claudio Ranieri has agreed to join Watford on a two-year deal
  • The Italian manager led Leicester City to a shocking Premier League title in 2016
  • Watford winger Ismaila Sarr is expected to make big strides under Ranieri's guidance

Italian manager Claudio Ranieri is making his way back to the English Premier League as the next manager of Watford.

Officially announcing his appointment via social media, Watford fans have been given a new lease on life with Ranieri at the helm.

The 69-year-old manager is most known by football fans for leading Leicester City to the top of the English Premier League table by the end of the 2015-16 season.

Relying on names such as Jamie Vardy and current Chelsea standout N’golo Kante, Ranieri led his side to what has since been dubbed by many as the greatest upset in sporting history.

Leicester City finished three points ahead of Premier League giants Manchester City and Arsenal for their first Premier League title, becoming one of seven clubs to win the title since its inception in the 1992-93 season.

Vardy led the way for Ranieri’s Leicester City with 24 goals in 36 appearances, the most he has had in a single Premier League season, forcing the world to take notice of the miracle run that was set to happen.

Now with Watford, Ranieri looks to do the same with a team that has lost its way.

Watford won promotion back to the Premier League after finishing second in the English Football League (EFL) Championship.

They relied on a staunch defense that only conceded 16 goals and allowed the offense some breathing room to work their magic.

23-year-old Ismaila Sarr is far and away their best attacker during their short stint in the EFL Championship after scoring 14 of the team’s 40 goals, four more than any other Watford player.

Sarr was also responsible for thwarting all notions of an “invincible” season for Liverpool, putting up two goals in an eventual 3-0 win in favor of Watford and Liverpool’s first loss in 44 unbeaten Premier League games.

Moments of brilliance make up most of Sarr’s game and will be a major piece for Ranieri to work with.

Watford is currently at 15th place with seven points after a 2-1-4 (win-draw-loss) record.

Ranieri will be making his managerial debut with Watford as they host Liverpool on October 16.

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