Kwadwo Baah ranks signing for Watford as the “biggest achievement” of his career so far, above making an international debut for England Under-18s earlier this year and his eye-catching breakthrough campaign at Rochdale.
The highly-rated and sought-after youngster signed a five-year deal at Vicarage Road which will see him join the Hornets from the Dale on July 1 ahead of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign.
“I’m very excited to join Watford,” said Baah. “It’s been a dream of mine to play in the Premier League so for Watford to give me that opportunity, I’m very grateful. Watford showed me they really wanted me. They want me to prove myself to them and to show I can play in the Premier League and show the world what I can do.
“Getting called up by England was a big achievement, but Watford signing me this summer, so I can have the opportunity to play in the Premier League, is my biggest achievement in life so far. I’m really happy for that.”
Baah was born in Germany to Ghanaian parents but was raised in south London and spent four years in Crystal Palace's academy. He joined Rochdale in 2019 and properly made a mark this past season, scoring three stunning goals and creating two assists in 13 league starts.
“Rochdale helped me a lot at the start of my footballing career,” said the 18-year-old.
“Going into the professional game, they have helped me mature into the player I am today. They have helped me show people what I can do with the ball. And they have helped me off the pitch too, which means I know what to do to take care of myself.
“I’m a fast player, I like to dribble a lot and I like to think I’m an exciting player as well. I like scoring goals and creating them too.”
The forward, who is capable playing centrally or out wide, won the EFL Young Player of the Month award in January for his exploits in League One, and is now looking forward to staking a claim for a place in Watford’s Premier League team.
“I’m very excited to meet all the players and I’ve had a couple of messages from the coaches and other staff welcoming me to the club already, which is very nice,” said Baah.
“I’ve been watching the matches as I knew Watford were interested and when they won against Millwall [to secure promotion] I was over the moon.
“Like any kid I’m looking forward to playing against Man United, City, Chelsea, all the top six teams, but I grew up as a United fan so Old Trafford for me will be great. And it will be good to go back to where I started at Palace too.”
Images: Rochdale A.F.C.
