Ex-Sunderland, West Ham and Middlesbrough striker set for surprise departure at Championship club

Former Sunderland striker Ashley Fletcher is set to become a free agent after it was confirmed he’ll be leaving Watford this summer.

The 28-year-old endured a challenging loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday during the 2023/24 season, failing to score in 23 Championship appearances. He will leave Watford having made just six appearances for the Hornets, amid loan spells at New York Red Bulls and Wigan.

It was reported Fletcher had signed a five-year deal at Watford when he joined the club as a free agent from Middlesbrough in 2021, yet a Hornets statement has revealed he’ll be leaving Vicarage Road.

Fletcher made 16 appearances while on loan at Sunderland in 2018, scoring twice, as the Black Cats were relegated from the Championship. 

After coming through the ranks at Manchester United, the striker joined West Ham in 2016. He then signed for Middlesbrough a year later, costing Boro a reported £6.5million.