Outlining the January Transfer of Miguel Layun to Granada Via Watford

Miguel Layun is set to play in Europe for the second time in five years. In 2009 he arrived in Serie A club Atalanta; now he will appear in England’s second division.

The Mexican caught the media attention during the 2014 World Cup after becoming one of the most valuable assets in Miguel Herrera's starting XI.

Layun joined Atalanta five years ago when the club recruiters saw him play with Veracruz, then a second-division team, as per Goal.

Despite making his debut with the Nerazzurri in September, Layun only appeared two times with the team for a total of 33 minutes on the pitch and one shot on target.

When he returned to Mexico he was mocked—hard!

America signed him without hesitation, and the fans showed their dislike by using the hashtag #TodoesCulpadeLayun (it's all Layun's fault).

But the Mexican proved everyone wrong. In November 2013 he told FIFA.com:

"

I had to try very hard and push myself to the limit to change the situation I was in. A lot of people had opinions without knowing the reality and it was difficult explaining things and trying to convince everyone. The only way to change anything was to do my talking out on the pitch instead of on social networks.

"

Layun helped America secure the 2013 Clausura tournament title. He netted the last penalty kick in the second leg of the final showdown against Cruz Azul.

The left-back also earned a spot with Mexico's B team for that year’s Gold Cup, but it was only until Herrera, then Las Aguilas' coach, capped him for the World Cup playoff against New Zealand.

Layun was instrumental in both legs. Overall, he made three assists thanks to his speed and vision when joining the attack through the left flank.

Along came the World Cup warm-ups, where he scored a brace against Israel. Both goals came after he made powerful long-distance shots.

In Brazil 2014, he played four games for a total of 360 minutes. Layun also recovered 15 balls, per FIFA.com.

He continued to create goal opportunities, with 60 percent of them through the left sideline, while his pass completion equaled 76 percent.

Christian Palma/Associated Press

Despite his superb performance, he stayed with America for the 2014 Apertura tournament, in which he appeared 17 times. He scored six goals, just two goals shy from Oribe Peralta, and becoming his team's second-best scorer.

It was only a matter of time for a European club to notice the left-back, whose flexibility has allowed him to play as a midfielder.

Spanish club Granada signed Layun on a five-year deal. The footballer and America tweeted the news on December 30.

However, that same day it was announced Layun was loaned to Watford until the end of the season. 

This kind of move is not new. This year Granada bought Ghanaian footballer Mohammed Fatau only to transfer him to Rayo Vallecano, as reported by the club's website (in Spanish).

It happened again in 2013, when the Nazaries sent Daniel Pudil to Italian side Cesena. Six months later the left-back arrived in Watford on a loan, according to BBC.

Layun will have to fight with Pudil for a spot on the team. The Czech has been Slavisa Jokanovic's first choice since he took over the team last October.

The coach usually goes for a 3-5-2 formation in which the full-backs have a lot of activity. They join the attack on a regular basis, which results in goal opportunities through the flanks. But they also help the defense when in distress.

This is a system that Layun knows by heart. Both Herrera and Antonio Mohamed used it while managing America; El Piojo also took it to El Tri.

Layun needs to adjust quickly if he wants to make a real impact on the pitch. This adjustment includes the club and the Championship game's pace, as well as the weather and the city.

Perhaps his body build (5'6", 141 lbs) is the Mexican's clearest disadvantage. But he has proved to be a hard worker, so expect him to hit the gym on a regular basis.

This move might not seem like the best fit for the defender, but he needs to get used to European football. Being on a team that is eight points away from Bournemouth, the league leader, and with a clear chance to make the Premier League are the perfect motivators for Layun to perform toward perfection.

All advanced stats appear courtesy of Squawka and ESPN FC unless otherwise noted.

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