Brighton transfer Q&A: Nottingham Forest and Lewis Dunk latest, West Ham deal potential and more
All the latest from Brighton and Hove Albion throughout the January transfer window
Brighton have a number of decisions to make as the January transfer window reaches crunch time.
The Seagulls are not expected to do too much in terms of incomings, although head coach Fabian Hurzeler said, "anything can happen" while the window is open.
Pascal Gross re-joined the club early in the month and fans will be keeping a close eye to see if a right back, or even a striker can be added to the squad.
There could be movement for some fringe players as they look to seal loans or permanent moves away, while the Seagulls also rebuffed a surprise move from Nottingham Forest for their skipper Lewis Dunk.
Brighton’s transfer questions that need an answer
Igor Julio: The Brazilian defender had a bizarre transfer deadline day last summer. He looked to be joining Crystal Palace on loan and then switched to West Ham at the last moment as Marc Guéhi’s move to Liverpool collapsed. It has not gone well for Igor at West Ham and the club are believed to be in talks with Brighton about potentially cutting the loan short. Two of Igor’s former clubs, Napoli and Palmeiras are believed to be keeping a close eye on developments. Igor is contracted with Brighton until June 2027.
Lewis Dunk: This was a slight surprise but Brighton today rebuffed an approach from Nottingham Forest for their skipper Lewis Dunk. Sean Dyche is a huge fan of Dunk but the 34-year-old remains a regular for Fabian Hurzeler and has a key role to play as Brighton hope to kick start their push for European football this term. Dunk is contracted with Brighton until June 2027.
Tommy Watson: The £10m summer arrival has struggled for game time and Fabian Hurzeler told Sussex World that a loan for the second half of the season is likely for the former Sunderland man. Derby County and Millwall are the front runners for the 19-year-old.
Diego Coppola: The Italian international was set to join Paris FC on loan for the second half of the season but that seems to have fallen through at the moment. Struggled to establish himself this term as Dunk and Jan Paul van Hecke have played well and stayed fit. Coppola is seen as one for the future and a loan makes perfect sense, especially as wants to feature for Italy at this summer’s World Cup, if they qualify.
Jeremy Sarmiento: The Ecuador international completed his loan to Middlesbrough for the rest of the season with a view to completing a permanent move for around £5m. Sarmiento has good Championship experience with West Brom, Ipswich and Burnley and this seems a good deal for all parties.
Andrew Moran: The Ireland midfielder is likely to secure another loan for the second half of the campaign, having returned from loan at Los Angeles FC. Championship clubs Portsmouth and Oxford are believed to have made enquiries but nothing is concrete as yet. The 22-year-old is contracted with Brighton until 2028 and a permanent move away this window is not out of the question.
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