Alious**Simon Adingra’s Uncertain Future at Brighton After Transfer Deadline Day Drama**
As the transfer deadline approached, it was hard not to think about Simon Adingra’s situation at Brighton. The Seagulls were aggressively pursuing Sunderland’s highly-rated 18-year-old winger, Tommy Watson, and in a surprising twist, Adingra was reportedly considered as part of the deal. The proposed loan arrangement even included an option to buy if Sunderland secured Premier League promotion next season.
However, the clock ran out before Brighton could finalize the transfer, though they’re expected to revisit their interest in Watson during the summer. While the deal fell through, the mere suggestion of including Adingra in such a move likely sent ripples through the player’s camp. After all, this is a player who was the standout performer in last year’s AFCON final, helping Ivory Coast clinch the title.
Adingra has struggled to cement his place under new manager Fabian Hürzeler this season. With only six Premier League starts, he’s managed two goals, adding three more in the Carabao Cup. Despite limited opportunities, his tally of five goals across all competitions compares favorably to teammates like Brajan Gruda (zero goals), Yankuba Minteh (three), Joao Pedro (five), and even Kaoru Mitoma (five).
Competition for attacking spots at Brighton is fierce. Mitoma, who has been in stellar form this season, has firmly secured the left-wing role—pushing Adingra down the pecking order. Last season under Roberto De Zerbi, Adingra enjoyed a breakthrough run with 25 league starts and six goals, benefiting from Mitoma’s injury struggles. But with Mitoma firing on all cylinders now, Adingra’s minutes have dwindled.
Though primarily a left winger, Adingra’s versatility allows him to operate on the right, where Minteh has shown inconsistency, Gruda has yet to hit his stride following his £25 million move from Mainz, and Solly March remains sidelined with injury. Even if Adingra doesn’t dazzle like Mitoma or Minteh, his efficiency in front of goal is something Brighton sorely needs this season.
His career stats highlight his effectiveness: 12 goals and four assists in 59 appearances for Brighton, an impressive 15 goals and 15 assists during his loan spell at Union SG, and 12 goals with four assists from his time at Nordsjaelland. It’s no wonder clubs like Marseille and RB Leipzig are rumored to be eyeing him, with potential bids around £20 million—more than double the £8 million Brighton paid in 2022.
Adingra is under contract until June 2026, but if the Sunderland rumors hold any weight, both he and his agency, Fidus Sports, are likely evaluating his long-term future. Brighton’s attacking options will become even more crowded this summer with the return of Ibrahim Osman from Feyenoord, Julio Enciso from Ipswich, Amario Cozier-Duberry from Blackburn, and the arrival of January signing Stefanos Tzimas from FC Nürnberg. Not to mention, Brighton may reignite their pursuit of Watson.
For an established Premier League talent like Adingra, being used as a potential makeweight in a transfer deal for an 18-year-old prospect might feel like a slight. He remains at Brighton for now and could even feature in the upcoming FA Cup clash against Chelsea at the Amex Stadium. But after the January window, one thing is clear: Adingra’s future at Brighton is anything but certain.
Alious
