BREAKING NEWS: Examining Brighton’s Latest Transfer Targets for… Read More

The transfer window is still open for business with just under two weeks remaining, and reports suggest Brighton is still looking to add players.

Tony Bloom, the owner of Brighton, has already supported Fabian Hürzeler, the new manager, during this transfer window by investing around seventy-eight million pounds on five players.

Mats Wieffer, Ibrahim Osman, Yankuba Minteh, Malick Yalcouyé, and Amario Cozier-Duberry, a former Arsenal player, are among the new arrivals.

The majority of the funds, £55 million, were used to bolster Brighton’s right wing and midfield by adding Wieffer and Minteh, two former Feyenoord players.

No cost signature Additionally, Cozier-Duberry has demonstrated that he is prepared to join the starting lineup.

The remaining £23 million has been allocated towards investing in future talent, with Osman and Yalcouyé both linked to potential loan moves. Osman has already secured a loan deal with Feyenoord.

Despite the substantial expenditures so far, Paul Barber and Tony Bloom appear poised to continue their spending, and these upcoming loan departures might signal further activity.

**The Right-Back Situation**

From the start of the summer transfer window, Brighton fans have been vocal on social media about the need to strengthen the squad, with a clear consensus on prioritizing the acquisition of a right-back.

This unified stance is likely due to several factors including depth issues, injury concerns, and specific player requirements.

Currently, Brighton’s right-back options include Tariq Lamptey and Joël Veltman, both of whom have faced multiple injuries and may not fully meet the needs of Hürzeler’s 4-2-4 system.

A player who fits the desired profile is 24-year-old Ferdi Kadıoğlu of Fenerbahçe. The versatile Turkish full-back is a prime target for Brighton as the transfer window nears its end.

Kadıoğlu’s adaptability is a key reason for his pursuit. He can play effectively as a full-back on either side or as a central midfielder, among other positions. Last season, he played 42 games for Fenerbahçe, mostly as a left-back, scoring three goals and providing five assists in both the Turkish Süper Lig and UEFA Conference League, with nine appearances at right-back.

With Pervis Estupiñán and Valentín Barco already covering the left-back role, Kadıoğlu would likely be brought in to strengthen the right-back position. His experience as a midfielder and attacking full-back aligns well with Brighton’s needs.

However, Kadıoğlu’s quality comes with a cost, as Fenerbahçe is reportedly seeking £30-35 million for him. Given Brighton’s significant financial gains over the past year and their pressing need for a right-back, this fee may not deter them.

The elimination of Fenerbahçe from the Champions League could facilitate negotiations for Brighton. If Kadıoğlu does not join, Brighton might also consider Benfica’s Alexander Bah as an alternative.

**Celtic’s In-Demand Star**

Matt O’Riley has been a hot topic throughout the transfer window, with interest from Southampton, Bournemouth, and Atalanta. The latter has reportedly had five bids turned down for the Danish midfielder.

Recently, Brighton have also been linked with a £25 million plus £4 million bid for O’Riley, though it remains to be seen if this was merely a tentative offer.

O’Riley seems open to a move to the south coast but may find a transfer to Atalanta more attractive due to their Champions League participation.

Should Brighton secure this transfer, the 23-year-old could pair with Wieffer in a double pivot but with the freedom to advance into attacking positions. This role would suit O’Riley well, given his impressive tally of nineteen goals and eighteen assists in forty-nine Scottish Premier League matches last season.

Although it’s unlikely, O’Riley might be considered for a second striker role, particularly with Danny Welbeck and João Pedro as the only available strikers.

However, this possibility may diminish with Brajan Gruda reportedly nearing a move from 1. FSV Mainz 05. The young German could fulfill the forward role, potentially reducing Brighton’s need for O’Riley.

Gruda, who is better suited to a second striker role, might prompt Brighton to focus on adding another midfielder, keeping the pursuit of O’Riley in play.

**Football Friends**

No Brighton transfer window seems complete without signing a highly-touted South American prospect.

This year’s star is Diego Gomez, a 21-year-old Paraguayan midfielder from Inter Miami and close friend of Brighton fan favorite Julio Enciso.

Reports from reliable sources indicate that a £10 million deal with David Beckham’s team is already in place. Gomez is set to remain in MLS until January, but official confirmation from both clubs is still pending.

Gomez made a notable impact in 2024, appearing in seventeen matches and contributing five goals and four assists across various competitions.

The Paraguayan U21 captain’s impressive performances attracted Brighton’s attention, leading them to secure the young talent before other clubs could intervene.

Gomez’s profile highlights his natural leadership and versatility, as he can play effectively in midfield or on the right wing.

With just a few weeks remaining in the window, the Seagulls would be making a major statement if they could close all of these agreements. They’re undoubtedly a team to keep an eye on in the near future.