Brighton confirm loan option for £10m winger after Sunderland transfer decision
All the latest transfer and contract news for Brighton and Hove Albion
Brighton winger Tommy Watson could look for a loan elsewhere for the second half of the season.
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Watson, 19, moved to the Seagulls last summer for around £10m from Sunderland on contract until June 2029.
Appearances have though been sparse this season with just 56 minutes of action in the Premier League and one minute in the FA Cup.
His best outings arrived earlier this season in the Carabao Cup as he scored a cracking goal from the bench in the 6-0 win at Oxford United and then claimed a hat-trick of assists in the next round at Barnsley.
“Yes, also for him a loan is a possibility,” said Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler to Sussex World.
“But I think regarding him the most important is that he gets back into his rhythm regarding his availability because again the last week he couldn't train regularly.
“He missed some sessions and I think that's the worst thing that can happen to a young player to not get into a rhythm, to not be on training pitch, to not train with the boys, to not have the opportunity to improve himself and to show himself.
“So therefore I think the main thing for him is getting into rhythm and then like I just mentioned we have to make the right decision for the club and the player.”
Watson’s best position is from the left flank. Kaoru Mitoma is currently the main man for Brighton in that role but Hurzeler also has the option of using Diego Gomez, Ferdi Kadioglu and Maxim De Cuyper. All seem to be above Watson in the pecking order.
Diego Coppola could be on the move
Brighton defender Diego Coppola could also head out on loan this transfer window with Paris FC keen to take the Italian international.
“I think it's a 50/50 situation,” said Hurzeler. “Diego might be one player, but we really enjoy working with him here.
“We have seen a great development. There's a World Cup upcoming, but I'm quite sure that he will be in the future a big player.
“But we have to analyse the individual situation from each player. What is best for the club, what is best for the individual development from each player and then we have to make the right decision.”
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