Jeremy Sarmiento had brief spells in the first XI last term but the 19-year-old Ecuador international is determined to play a more significant role next season.
Sarmiento made seven appearances for Albion across all competitions as he featured in the Carabao Cup matches against Swansea and Leicester.
The also attacker made his first Premier League start at West Ham in December but lasted just 13 minutes before he was forced off with a serious hamstring problem.
It was an injury that required surgery and four months of rehabilitation before he returned to the first team in April where he featured from the bench against Norwich, Man City and Southampton.
Sarmiento adds to Albion’s growing ranks of South American internationals, alongside Alexis Mac Allister of Argentina, Steven Alzate of Colombia and his fellow countryman Moises Caicedo.
Sarmiento said he’s been inspired by the performances of Caicedo following an impressive start to his Albion career after returning from his loan spell in Belgium last January.
Caicedo started in all eight of Albion’s final Premier League matches, as Graham Potter’s team secured a record ninth-place finish in the top-tier.
“When I knew Moises was coming back from Belgium, from the first minute I was with him helping him with whatever he needed,” Sarmiento said. “I have also learned a lot from him on the pitch.
“He is playing all the matches, he is tearing it up and that pushes me to be in the team with him on the same pitch.
“It is fantastic to have a friend who I can share things with at Brighton and in the Ecuador squad.”
Check out the latest Premier League transfer speculation below...
1. Boro plot Fredericks swoop
Middlesbrough are plotting a move for the exit-bound West Ham right-back Ryan Fredericks this summer. (Daily Mail) | Getty Images
2. Blues keen on Ait-Nouri
Chelsea have turned their attention to signing Wolves defender Rayan Ait-Nouri. (Alan Nixon) | Getty Images
3. Toon ease up on Harrison interest
Newcastle United have been priced out of a £30m move for Leeds United winger Jack Harrison. (Telegraph) | Getty Images
4. Albion eye Ilic
Brighton are in the race for Hellas Verona midfielder Ivan Ilic, who could cost around £21.5m. (Area Napoli) | Getty Images