AliousFormer Sunderland midfielder Martin Smith has labeled the departure of young winger Tommy Watson to Brighton and Hove Albion as “disappointing.”
The Black Cats have agreed to sell the promising talent to the Premier League outfit, with Watson set to join the Seagulls in the summer for a fee hovering around £10 million.
Currently, Regis Le Bris’ squad sits fourth in the Championship, firmly in the playoff mix alongside Burnley, Coventry City, and West Brom, as they chase a return to the top tier.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Smith shared his thoughts: “There’s been talk of interest from other clubs, and it seems he’s had his heart set on leaving since he didn’t sign a new deal, which is a bit of a letdown.
But you can see why Brighton would appeal—they’ve got a real knack for developing young players these days. It’ll be curious to watch how he fares there. Unless they cash in on someone like Kaoru Mitoma in the summer, he might end up warming the bench or heading out on loan.”
The timing of Watson’s transfer reveal feels odd, especially with Sunderland potentially climbing to the Premier League themselves next season. At just 18, Watson has a glittering career ahead, and it’s a pity he won’t be staying to shine at the Stadium of Light.
A lifelong Black Cat, he’s come up through their academy, cutting his teeth at various youth levels before breaking into the senior side. His first-team bow came in April 2023 against Huddersfield Town in the Championship, a milestone in his rapid rise.
Last year, Sunderland tied him down to a three-year contract running through 2026, and this season he notched his first league goals in a brace against Stoke City. In total, Watson has made 12 appearances for the senior team, scoring twice. Born in Horden, he’s been a homegrown gem—making his exit all the more bittersweet.
Looking ahead, Sunderland must now chart a course without their young star. For now, the priority is finishing the season strong and securing a playoff spot.
They’re coming off a tidy 1-0 win over Millwall, with Trai Hume’s strike sealing the points. Next, they face a tricky trip to West Brom this weekend, where maintaining momentum will be key as they adjust to a future minus Watson.
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