Brighton issue Yasin Ayari statement after £20m Nottingham Forest bid
Brighton transfer news from the January transfer window
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler said midfielder Yasin Ayari is a "a player" after Nottingham Forest's £20m bid was rejected yesterday.
Forest have been keen on a few Brighton players of late and the bid for Ayari followed recent interest in skipper Lewis Dunk and midfielder Jack Hinshelwood.
Hurzeler, speaking in today's press conference ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash against Everton, said that he "enjoys" working with Ayari and that the Sweden international is a real player.
”[I don’t get involved] with these types of speculation. I really enjoy working with Yasin and he is a Brighton player,” Hurzeler said.
Ayari's development at Brighton has been a success story for Hurzeler.
The 22-year-old midfielder has perhaps been the surprise package in the Albion engine room after underwhelming loans at Coventry and Blackburn.
The German head coach has really got the best from him and Brighton will have to decide whether to improve his contract in the coming months or cash in this summer.
He is contracted with Brighton until June 2027 and has made 20 Premier League appearances this term, with three goals and one assist.
Igor is ready for Everton
Meanwhile Igor Julio will be available for selection against Everton as the Brazilian defender cut short his season loan at loan West Ham, following Diego Coppola’s loan switch to Paris FC.
Brighton are 12th in the league standings and there’s frustration among Brighton supporters after last Saturday’s 2-1 loss at Fulham.
Hurzeler said he understandings the feelings but encouraged fans to get behind the team this Saturday at the Amex Stadium for what is sure to be a tricky test against 10th placed Everton.
Diego Gomez is a doubt with a “small issue” sustained in training.
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