Who will stay and who will go?
After Brighton and Hove Albion’s impressive 2017/2018 season, the club will hope to consolidate their Premier League status.
Now that Brighton have proven their worth, they’ll have increased pulling power in the transfer market.
So, what business will Chris Hughton’s side be hoping to complete to strengthen their ranks?
Potential incoming players:
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Paddy McNair: One of the biggest pieces of speculation surrounds Northern Ireland international Paddy McNair. The 23-year-old midfielder, formerly of Manchester United, is on Brighton’s radar.
The club have had two bids rejected. According to Sky Sports, the second bid was worth £3.5 million. Sunderland want over £4 million though.
However, with Sunderland relegated to League One, and McNair eyeing a Premier League return, Brighton have a great chance of snaring the young player.
Liam Moore: Brighton are also looking to sign Reading’s Liam Moore.
The 25-year-old defender is also looking to get back to the Premier League, after failing to make it back since his 2016 move from Leicester.
Yet again, Brighton have had a bid turned down. However, given Albion’s Premier League status, they will be confident of making a breakthrough.
Ezri Konsa: This Charlton wonderkid is the 2nd of 3 defenders Brighton have been heavily linked with.
Konsa shone last season, and has also attracted interest from Everton.
According to The Mirror, the League One side want £5 million.
While the 20-year-old no doubt justifies the price-tag, Albion may want cheaper alternatives.
Moussa Sissoko: Paris Saint Germain’s 17-year-old wonderkid is another defender in Brighton’s sights.
The acquisition of Sissoko would represent a major coup. He has generated huge hype.
However, he hasn’t been given enough minutes due to his inexperience and PSG’s major status.
According to HITC, PSG want to keep hold of the defender. Hughton will be hoping to pry him away though, with the promise of first-team chances.
Potential outgoing players:
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Connor Goldson: Uncertainty has surrounded the future of Connor Goldson.
The centre-back has been at the club since 2015, but was out of favour in their debut Premier League season.
He is said to be high on new Rangers manager Steven Gerrard’s list of targets.
Brighton want £3 for the defender, a not unreasonable sum to request.
Sam Baldock: Baldock’s playing time was very limited in 2017/2018.
And, with the purchases of Florin Andone and Jürgen Locadia, and Murray’s hot form, it seems unlikely Baldock will force his way back in.
Reading are the club most heavily linked with the 29-year-old striker.
Tomer Hemed: Another casualty of Brighton’s recent striker haul could be Hemed.
Hemed was an inconsistent part of Albion’s Premier League season. While given a relatively significant role, he was not a mainstay of the side.
His 16 league appearances would surely dwindle further if he were to stay and compete with the new arrivals.
Like Baldock, no formal transfer requests have been received. However, the pair seem likely candidates to depart the club.
Who would you like to see the club sign? Would these transfer targets aid Brighton’s Premier League fight?
