Watford have announced that Oghenekaro Peter Etebo is leaving the club after his loan spell.
The Hornets chose not to activate an option to buy the Super Eagles midfielder on a permanent basis.
But they have confirmed he will return to his parent club Stoke City.
According to a statement on the club’s official website, Etebo is among five players who have been released. The others are goalkeeper Ben Foster, Cameroon defender Nicolas Nkoulou, forward Andre Gray, and Juraj Kucka, who decided to activate a release clause in his contract.
“Following the conclusion of the 2021-22 Premier League season, Watford can confirm that five first-team players have left the club,” read part of the statement.
“Juraj Kucka has chosen to activate a release clause in his contract, bringing an end to his one-season stay in Hertfordshire, while fellow midfielder Peter [Etebo] has returned to parent club Stoke City following his loan spell at Vicarage Road.
“Defender Nicolas Nkoulou – who made three league appearances after signing in October 2021 – and forward Andre Gray – who spent the last campaign on loan at Queens Park Rangers – have also departed upon the expiration of their deals.”
Etebo joined Watford on a season-long loan deal with an option to buy on August 14, 2021, and he made his competitive debut for the Hornets in their league opener against Aston Villa, where they won 3-2.