As the January transfer window nears its end, clubs are still looking for ways to improve their squad for the final push of the season. Brighton and Hove Albion are no exception, as they are looking to improve their standing in the Premier League.
With improving the squad in mind, not just for the present, but also the future, Brighton has set their sights on a youngster in the Championship who has impressed this season. Tommy Watson, an attacking midfielder and winger at Sunderland AFC, has been the focal point of said interest by the Seagulls. Watson has made only ten appearances this season, but he has continually impressed people with how well he has taken to the Championship.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Brighton are in initial talks with Sunderland over the eighteen-year-old. An initial bid has been submitted, but the Northeastern club are reluctant to sell Watson despite the fact that there are only eighteen months left on his contract.
Watson Ready for the Premier League?
In his ten appearances, six of which have been starts, for Sunderland this season, Watson has not contributed much on the stat sheet, but he has impressed people with his pace, intelligence, willingness to go forward, and ability to cut out a great pass. Though he is only eighteen, Watson has seemingly taken quite well to the Championship. The Sunderland academy product has been a contributor to a Sunderland squad that has blossomed under Regis le Bris and his ability to get the most out of all the talented youngsters at the club including Watson.
There is no concrete way to know for sure if Watson could survive in the Premier League, but if he is developed well, he seemingly has the potential and raw skills to succeed. Watson is not the only Sunderland youngster who has attracted interest this window, which speaks to how well the Wearside club has been developing their academy products and youngsters. Watson would follow in the footsteps of former Black Cat Jack Clarke if the move comes to fruition, which may cause concern as Clarke has had an up-and-down season with Ipswich Town. While Clarke definitely isn’t Watson, he definitely shows how a step up is not always the best move for a player.
Can Brighton Use Watson?
The interest from Brighton is fascinating. With injuries in their midfield, Brighton are looking for reinforcements to help bolster their chances for a shot at the European spots. The Seagulls currently are ninth in the Premier League and want to capitalize on an overall bright start to the season. Brighton have recently become well-known for their scouting and finding talent that they can turn into great players for the club. Watson also might be an option in case Kaoru Mitoma might leave.
Watson did pick up an injury in early December, but it sounds like he might be close to returning to the Sunderland squad. With his contract ending in eighteen months, Sunderland would definitely prefer to capitalize on any interest in the young attacker, but it would have to be a substantial offer to move the Black Cats to sell Watson.
While Tommy Watson is a young talent, Sunderland do view him highly as a talent that can impact their squad. Brighton also see the potential and want a piece of the pie. However, unless Brighton gives an amazing offer, Sunderland are probably not going to sell Watson.