Sunderland Legend Slams ‘Brainless’ Boo Boys as £10m Brighton-Bound Star Becomes Target—Club Urged to Use Windfall Wisely 


Tommy Watson may be Premier League-bound this summer, but some Sunderland fans have made their feelings known—much to the dismay of a club legend.

Watson, 19, is set for a £10 million move to Brighton at the end of the season, a deal confirmed weeks ago despite Sunderland’s campaign still hanging in the balance. With manager Régis Le Bris rotating his squad ahead of the play-offs, recent performances have dipped, sparking unrest among the fanbase.

The young winger has started in Sunderland’s last three defeats, including a disappointing showing at Bristol City and a marginally improved outing against Blackburn on Easter Monday. During the latter match, Watson was met with a mixed reception—scattered boos rang out from the stands, sparking backlash from club icon Marco Gabbiadini.

Speaking to **BBC Sport**, Gabbiadini called the negative reaction “brainless,” stressing that fans should understand the wider picture: “You’ve got top players across the country signing pre-contracts and still giving everything for their teams. Tommy’s situation is no different. He’s agreed to move on in the summer, the club benefits financially, and who knows—he could even return on loan.”

Gabbiadini emphasized that the club could end the season on a high with Watson still playing a crucial role: “He might even give us a fairy tale finish.”

In the dressing room, Watson’s teammates are standing firmly behind him. Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson told the **Sunderland Echo** that the squad is focused on supporting the youngster through the scrutiny: “We’re just helping Tommy as much as we can—that’s all you can do.”

Watson has made 18 league appearances this season, stepping in for the injured Romaine Mundle, with a standout performance coming in December when he netted twice against Stoke City.

While his departure is confirmed, Sunderland’s board now faces the question of how best to use the £10m fee. Manager Le Bris is keen to re-invest to strengthen the squad, especially if the club fails to secure promotion. The money could go toward a permanent deal for standout loanee Chris Mepham, who has been integral to Sunderland’s defensive success this term. Mepham, on loan from Bournemouth, has expressed interest in a long-term stay at the Stadium of Light.

Additionally, holding onto rising stars like Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg will be vital. Sunderland missed out on Marcus Edwards after Burnley’s promotion, a reminder that opportunities must be seized quickly.

If the Black Cats can use Watson’s fee to retain key players, reinforce weak areas, and fuel a stronger push for Premier League football, fans may one day see the transfer not as a loss—but a turning point.