Sunderland‘s many young talents have garnered plenty of top-flight interest over this season, with Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham both being sought by Europe’s elite.
But The Black Cats will have to fend off interest for another starlet in Tommy Watson after a report from Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion have entered talks over the 18-year-old, with Sunderland reluctant to sell.
Seagulls Push For Move
Brighton have become well regarded across English football for their knack of identifying future stars in football, with Victor Gyokeres, Moises Caicedo and Dan Burn being just some of the numerous talents to come through the door in Sussex and The Seagulls are now gearing up to sign Watson.
The winger has had a breakout season on Wearside, making 10 appearances in the Championship this season and had become a regular for Regis Le Bris prior to a knee injury which has kept him out since early December. His contract expires at the end of next season, which could open the door to other interest further down the line from Brighton or other clubs.
This is not the first attempt from Albion’s transfer department to sign Watson, with a seven-figure bid being rejected on Deadline Day in the summer by Sunderland according to Football Insider.
Writer’s View
With Sunderland’s struggles to convince players to come to the club, it is imperative they hang on to all of their current squad for now. Tommy Watson has become a real star for the club this season and losing him here would be a blow to their promotion aspirations. Brighton are probably the most enticing prospect to join for a young player in England such is their reputation and it is a testament to Watson’s ability that Albion are pursuing a deal once more. Ultimately he should stay put on Wearside and get more regular football under his belt before making a proper decision about where he wants to play his football in the future.
