Sunderland are reportedly interested in Brighton & Hove Albion’s Simon Adingra as both sides continue negotiations over Tommy Watson.
The Seagulls have been long-time suitors of the 18-year-old winger, and have stepped up their attempts over the past two weeks. The Black Cats have previously rejected a seven-figure bid in the summer according to Football Insider.
Swap Deal Wanted
According to reports from Sky Sports News, Sunderland would be keen on signing Albion’s Simon Adingra on loan as part of a deal for Watson. Brighton want a fee of £8.5 million and further add-ons for the 18-year-old. Other Premier League clubs have been reportedly interested, with Tottenham Hotspur named in a report from TBR Football.
Adingra was signed by Brighton from FC Nordsjaelland in 2022 and has played 59 times for The Seagulls. He was initially a starting choice for Fabian Hurzeler’s side this season but the emergence of both Carlos Baleba and former Leeds United man Georgino Rutter has knocked him back in the pecking order.
Watson is currently out injured with a knee injury, with his return expected in the coming weeks. Both Sunderland and Brighton have made additions in attack today, with The Black Cats finalising a deal for Liverpool’s Jayden Danns on loan and Brighton signing Nurnberg striker Stefanos Tzimas.
Writer’s View
Sunderland’s stance in this saga has been a reluctance to sell Tommy Watson so indicating they would like to loan in Simon Adingra is a big step in this deal. Watson is one of their many bright talents and Brighton have been very proactive when it comes to signing the best young talents across the country and beyond. This is by no means a sealed deal but this is the biggest indication so far that Regis Le Bris would be willing to let go of one of his starting players. Perhaps the move for Jayden Danns may have prompted an advancement in the deal as Wilson Isidor is capable of playing on the wing in Watson’s position. There is still some way to go but it is likely there will be a resolution to this transfer before the window shuts.
