Brighton confirm a 'great' move as deal for winger is confirmed
All the latest transfer news for Brighton throughout the January window
Jeremy Sarmiento has made a loan move to promotion-chasing Middlesbrough in the Championship.
The Ecuadorian international ended his loan with Italian Serie A side Cremonense, and now joins Boro on loan until the end of the season, with his move potentially becoming permanent this summer.
Sporting director Jason Ayto said, "This is a great opportunity for Jeremy and gives him the possibility of a permanent move if things go well, with a club challenging for promotion to the Premier League.
"He knows the Championship well having been part of two promotion-winning squads with Ipswich Town and Burnley.
"I haven't had the opportunity of working with him, but I know he has been a great professional and those a pleasure to work with.
“We wish him every success at Middlesbrough."
Sarmiento, 23, joined Albion in 2021 and had a loan spell with West Brom during the first half of the 2023/24 season.
He joined Ipswich in January 2024 and helped them win promotion to the Premier League, scoring four goals in 22 games.
Last season he was part of Burnley’s promotion-winning squad, scoring four goals in 37 games before heading to Italy during the summer. He made seven appearances for Cremonese.
Jeremy has played 21 games for Albion including six starts and scored his first goal for the club in last season’s 4-0 win over Crawley Town in the Carabao Cup.
Sussex World verdict
His loan to Cremonese has been a bit of a nightmare for him, with just seven appearances so far and no starts. This deal to Middlesbrough makes sense and a loan with a permanent move will hopefully give the Ecuadorian a chance to settle and produce his best form on a consistent basis.
After four loans in three seasons, Sarmiento needs a place to call home and he's a player who can certainly help boost their promotion chances.
His best position is on the left flank and Brighton currently have a number of players ahead of him, including Kaoru Mitoma, Tommy Watson, Ferdi Kadioglu, Maxim De Cuyper and Diego Gomez.
Middlesbrough is a solid move and Brighton may well see him in the Premier League next season.