Brighton & Hove Albion Transfer News: Targets, Potential Signings, Need and Outgoing | January Transfer Window 2024

Brighton & Hove Albion faces a challenging January transfer window, with the club’s leadership tasked with supporting head coach Roberto De Zerbi while maintaining a broader strategic perspective.

Despite significant injuries, De Zerbi has admirably kept Brighton in the Premier League’s top 10 and secured their place in the Europa League round of 16 in their maiden continental campaign. However, the loss of key midfielders Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister in the summer has taken its toll.

Looking ahead, there’s potential for a deep Europa League run and participation in the FA Cup, following last season’s penalty shootout loss in the semi-finals to Manchester United. The upcoming return of injured players, including Joel Veltman, Tariq Lamptey, Adam Webster, Ansu Fati, Kaoru Mitoma, and Simon Adingra by February, adds a layer of complexity.

With only three Premier League fixtures in January and up to three FA Cup ties, excessive strengthening during the transfer window might result in an overcrowded squad. This could lead to player discontent due to limited playing time, disrupting the cohesive team dynamics that have contributed to Brighton’s success under De Zerbi.

Estimating Brighton’s available transfer funds is not straightforward. The club tends to avoid significant transfer fees and maintains a comparatively lower wage bill in the Premier League. Owner-chairman Tony Bloom is willing to invest substantially if deemed necessary, as evidenced by the £30 million spent on acquiring forward Joao Pedro from Watford in the summer, setting a new transfer record for the club.

The decision-making process for signings involves Sam Jewell overseeing player recruitment, with head coach Roberto De Zerbi contributing to a wish list. Discussions among technical director David Weir, chief executive Paul Barber, and Tony Bloom follow, with Bloom having the final say on approving or rejecting a deal.

What Brighton really need in the January transfer window?

Roberto De Zerbi has highlighted the need for reinforcements in three to four positions, emphasizing that the final decision rests with the owner and the club. Chief among his priorities are securing a full-back and a winger. The former is imperative due to a shortage of recognized players in that role, exacerbated by injuries until Pervis Estupinan’s recent return against Tottenham.

Additionally, the absence of Solly March for the entire season, coupled with Julio Enciso’s expected return no earlier than February following a second minor meniscus operation, underscores the urgency for a winger.

The midfield is another key area requiring attention following the departures of Caicedo and Mac Allister. The absence of Caicedo, particularly noted for his defensive contributions, has left a void. Carlos Baleba, set to turn 20, is viewed as a long-term project to fill Caicedo’s role.

Meanwhile, the performance of free-transfer signing Mahmoud Dahoud is yet to be fully realized, as he has not completed a full 90 minutes under De Zerbi. As the transfer decisions unfold, the club aims to address these strategic gaps to bolster its squad for the challenges ahead.

Also Read: Brighton FC: Players, History, Achievements and Records, Future Goals

Transfer rumours that might come true in January for Brighton

The past three winter transfer windows have reflected Brighton’s typical approach to mid-season dealings. Their strategy tends to prioritize the future over immediate needs, with a focus on signing young players whose impact is anticipated in the following season or even further down the line. Rather than making short-term fixes, Brighton’s transfer activities during these windows align with a long-term vision for the squad.

Brighton maintains a tight lid on potential transfer targets, with only a select few individuals at the upper echelons of the club privy to the details of their plans for transfer windows. The club is known for keeping such information highly confidential, limiting leaks and speculation.

Despite this secrecy, there is often widespread speculation, much of it originating from sources abroad. Agents, in particular, tend to fuel these rumors, recognizing Brighton as a progressive club with a transparent pathway for young players. The allure of the club’s commitment to youth development and its reputation for providing opportunities to emerging talents frequently stirs speculation about potential transfer targets.

In essence, while the specifics remain guarded, the club’s reputation and philosophy often generate conjecture about potential signings, especially from those who see Brighton as an attractive destination for emerging talent.

Valentin Barco

Brighton’s interest in Boca Juniors prospect Valentin Barco has been ongoing since the summer transfer window. The 19-year-old, primarily a left-back, boasts versatility as he can also operate further up the pitch as a winger.

Barco aligns with the type of signings Brighton typically pursues, fitting their strategy of investing in promising and versatile young talents. However, the pursuit of Barco has reportedly attracted attention from other Premier League giants, with both Manchester City and Chelsea also rumoured to be tracking the talented prospect.

This competition from top-tier clubs adds an additional layer of challenge for Brighton in securing the services of the coveted Argentine youngster.

Jeremy Sarmiento, Steven Alzate, & Adrian Mazilu

Brighton might explore the option of recalling players out on loan to address squad gaps, with Ecuadorian winger Jeremy Sarmiento standing out on this list. Currently, on a season-long loan to Championship side West Brom, there is a recall option that Brighton could consider activating.

A similar opportunity exists with versatile midfielder Steven Alzate, who finds himself on a second consecutive season-long loan at Standard Liege in Belgium. Despite being back at Brighton for ankle injury treatment, Alzate is unlikely to return to action until late January.

On the other hand, 18-year-old winger Adrian Mazilu, signed in the summer and loaned back to Romanian club Farul Constanta for the first half of the season, may not be deemed ready for an immediate transition to the Premier League. Brighton faces decisions regarding these loaned-out players as they assess their squad needs and potential reinforcements in the upcoming transfer window.

Also Read: West Ham vs Brighton: Prediction, Odds, Lineups, Head-to-Head & Telecast

Players who could leave Brighton in January transfer window

Currently, there are no imminent departures from the squad due to the severe strain on player resources. However, come summer, decisions will be evaluated regarding players currently out on loan, a list that includes individuals like Undav and 22-year-old Senegalese international Abdallah Sima.

Rangers have expressed interest in converting Sima’s loan stint into a permanent move, signalling a potential departure for the talented player in the upcoming transfer window.