Alious**Brighton & Hove Albion Make Late Push for “Exciting” Forward But Face Setback After £13M Bid Rejected**
Brighton & Hove Albion have made a last-minute attempt to strengthen their attacking options, submitting a £13 million bid for a highly-rated forward, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. However, their offer has been turned down, leaving the deal hanging in the balance as the transfer deadline looms.
**Brighton’s Inconsistent Form Sparks Urgent Transfer Activity**
While Brighton remain in the Premier League’s top half, their recent form has been worryingly inconsistent. Despite a notable 3-1 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford earlier in the season, Fabian Hürzeler’s side has struggled to maintain momentum. Their dip in performance was highlighted by a humiliating 7-0 defeat to an in-form Nottingham Forest, raising concerns within the club’s hierarchy.
In response to these struggles, Hürzeler is eager to reinforce his squad before the transfer window closes. This urgency follows the decision to loan out striker Evan Ferguson to West Ham United until the season’s end.
**Brighton’s Transfer Moves: Tzimas In, Watson Targeted**
Brighton have already secured the signing of FC Nürnberg’s Stefanos Tzimas for £20 million. However, the promising Greek forward will remain with the German club on loan until the end of the current season.
In addition to Tzimas, Brighton set their sights on Sunderland’s teenage sensation, Tommy Watson. After initial talks with the Championship club, Brighton submitted an £8.5 million bid, which was rejected. Undeterred, they returned with an improved £13 million offer, even proposing to send Simon Adingra on loan to Sunderland to sweeten the deal. Despite these efforts, Sunderland have firmly rejected the bid, and the deal now appears to be off the table—at least for this window.
**Brighton Likely to Revisit Watson Pursuit This Summer**
Although Sunderland have shown no willingness to part with Watson in January, Brighton are expected to reignite their interest in the summer. The 18-year-old winger has been making waves at the Stadium of Light, breaking into the first team and scoring twice in a 2-1 win over Stoke City in December.
Sunderland academy manager Robin Nicholls has previously praised Watson’s development, stating:
*”Tommy has shown himself to be an exciting and dynamic attacking player and has really kicked on since leaving school and joining the club full-time. He has been recognised internationally and has been part of several recent England U17 squads.”*
Brighton’s track record of identifying and nurturing young talent aligns perfectly with Watson’s profile. However, waiting until summer could invite competition from other top clubs, with Tottenham Hotspur already reportedly monitoring the young star closely.
For now, Brighton’s hopes of securing Watson’s signature will have to be put on hold, but the saga is far from over.
Alious
