Heading into the summer transfer window Watford supporters had a considerable wish list. Just over a month after its opening a fair few have been answered.

Three new faces have come through the Vicarage Road door, soon to be four when Adam Masina completes his switch from Bologna on July 1, and Javi Gracia’s first full window at the helm has commenced brightly.

Reinforcements at the back were a must after a campaign in which injury swept through the Hornets’ defensive stable and form was never a certainty. They have swiftly arrived in the form of Ben Wilmot, Marc Navarro and Masina.

Wilmot’s impact may be felt more at junior level than the first-team next season, but his abundant talent makes the £1 million paid to secure his services a steal. Should a teenager who was coveted by the likes of Tottenham Hotspur kick on in the manner his potential demands, Watford will have a player who can influence matters for years to come.

Navarro, whose £3.5m singing came out of the blue last Friday, offers a versatility which is highly sort after in the modern game and can play a number of positions. Typically a right-back, the 22-year-old is comfortable in the centre of defence and has featured in midfield.

Watford Observer:

Marc Navarro's adaptability will be a boon for Javi Gracia

Given Watford ended the campaign with Adrian Mariappa at left-back, a player of Navarro’s ilk could be a valuable firefighter throughout the campaign, especially if fitness concerns once again stalk the Watford defence.

At left-back, too, refreshment was needed and the upcoming conformation of Masina’s signing will offer just that. The Italian will give genuine competition – the age old enemy of complacency – to Jose Holebas.

Of course, remaining tight at the back is only half the job in football and inevitably it will be in attack where the Hornets’ fortunes in 2018/19 are decided. With this in mind, the statement signing of Deulofeu should fill Watford fans with plenty of confidence.

Watford Observer:

Gerard Deulofeu provides an X Factor to Watford going forward

Perhaps the most important aspect of Watford’s business to date is the speed with which it has been done. That process has surely been helped by Gracia’s continued presence at Vicarage Road and he played an important role in the capture of Deulofeu.

The Spanish head coach, while unlikely to be done building his squad, will benefit from it already having taken a partial shape when the players return to pre-season. So too will the players themselves, as they arrive back in London Colney familiar with the demands expected of them by Gracia.

He may have to contend with the departure of some big name players between now and the campaign getting underway in August, most notably the possible loss of Abdoulaye Doucoure, but Gracia can be pleased with what the Watford hierarchy have given him to work with so far.

The remainder of the transfer window will be complicated by the small matter of the World Cup. Previously little-known quantities will make a name for themselves and earn moves to the Premier League. Buying on the basis of a strong tournament is always a risky ploy, however.

Watford would do well to avoid such dangers and the fact they have got four names in already suggests a clear plan of attack in the transfer market. Continue in this manner and the Hornets will be set for a productive summer.