Marc Bola (foto: Screenshot)
Watford has signed a three-year contract with 27-year-old Marc Bola from Samsunspor. The former Middlesbrough defender becomes the Hornets’ third signing of the summer window.
Watford have announced the signing of left-back Marc Bola from Turkish side Samsunspor, securing the experienced defender on a three-year deal as they continue their early summer transfer business.
The 27-year-old becomes Watford’s third new arrival of the window following the additions of Hector Kyprianou and Nathan Baxter. Bola’s versatility — he can also play at centre-back or left midfield — makes him a valuable asset for the Hornets’ defensive line.
Bola’s arrival adds depth to the left-back position after the departure of Yasser Larouci at the end of his loan spell. While Caleb Wiley is expected to return on loan from Chelsea, Watford wanted to secure a permanent option.
Born in Greenwich and of Congolese descent, Bola began his career at Arsenal’s academy at the age of 13. He spent time on loan at Notts County and Bristol Rovers before joining Blackpool permanently in 2018, where he enjoyed a breakout campaign and won the club’s Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year awards.
In 2019, he moved to Middlesbrough, scoring on his debut and later becoming a regular starter, making over 60 appearances across three seasons. Bola joined Samsunspor in 2023 and featured in 53 matches over two seasons in the Turkish Super Lig, helping the club to a third-place finish in 2025.
Standing at 6ft 1in, Bola brings physicality, top-level experience, and attacking instincts to Watford's defensive setup ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.