AliousBrighton Chase ‘Next Joshua Kimmich’ in Transfer Tug-of-War with European Giants as £10m Wonderkid Deal Confirmed
Brighton & Hove Albion are lining up another bold move in the transfer market as they join a high-profile race to sign 18-year-old German starlet Marwin Schmitz from St. Pauli — a player already being compared to Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich.
Schmitz has turned heads in the German second division this season, impressing both with his maturity and technical ability. Having signed his first professional deal with St. Pauli in January, which ties him to the club until 2027, the young midfielder is now firmly on the radar of several top European sides. Among those showing strong interest are Serie A powerhouse Juventus, as well as Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, RB Leipzig, and Stuttgart.
Reports suggest Brighton have formally requested information on Schmitz’s availability — and that connection may run deeper than most. Brighton head coach Fabian Hürzeler, who previously led St. Pauli to promotion before making the switch to the Premier League, is already familiar with Schmitz’s abilities and potential. That prior relationship could give the Seagulls a crucial edge in the crowded field of suitors.
Brighton’s pursuit of Schmitz aligns with their long-term recruitment strategy, which has seen them invest significantly in emerging talent. The club has just sealed a £10 million deal with Sunderland to sign 18-year-old winger Tommy Watson, continuing a trend of youthful acquisitions. Watson is set to join this summer alongside South Korean prospect Yun Do-young, who was signed for £2 million from Daejeon Hana Citizen.
In addition to these moves, Brighton recently paid £22 million to land Greek forward Stefanos Tzimas from Bundesliga 2 side FC Nürnberg. Tzimas, 19, has enjoyed a breakout campaign in Germany with 12 goals and three assists, and will officially link up with Brighton after finishing the season with Nürnberg. Technical director David Weir confirmed the club is closely monitoring his development and sees him as a long-term asset.
Meanwhile, questions remain over the future of young striker Evan Ferguson. The Republic of Ireland international has endured a disappointing loan spell at West Ham United, where game time and confidence have been in short supply. Former Ireland forward Shane Long has urged Ferguson to reset mentally over the summer, suggesting a fresh start and renewed focus could reignite his career next season.
As Brighton continue to build a squad for the future, Schmitz could be the next piece in their growing puzzle — but only if they can fend off some of Europe’s most powerful clubs.
Alious
