Albion head coach Roberto De Zerbi was asked last week if he likes the January window. His answer was very simple and very honest. “If we sell, no. But if we buy, then yes!”
Albion, who are eighth in the Premier League and aiming for European qualification, have a few gems among their collection. Alexis Mac Allister, fresh from World Cup triumph in Qatar with Argentina, is in high-demand as is Ecuador international Moises Caicedo. Leandro Trossard’s recent omissions from the starting XI have also increased speculation that the Belgian international could also be on his way this transfer window. Trossard was in fine form at the start of the season but has looked way off the pace since returning from Qatar. Brighton have already bolstered their squad with the addition of 17-year-old wonderkid Facundo Buonanotte of Argentina and De Zerbi will hope one or two more will be incoming before the end of the month.
Here’s the Brighton transfer window state of play so far and the very latest transfer news from each player...
5. Deniz Undav
Before Middlesbrough, I would have said he was certain to leave on loan in January. He has struggled for minutes and even when Danny Welbeck was injured, the German didn't get his chance in the Premier League. He was out for 'personal reasons' but returned at the Riverside and bagged himself an FA Cup goal in the 5-1 win. The brilliant reaction from his teammates suggests he could be here to stay. A loan exit could still be on the cards but De Zerbi may have just seen something of late that could help Albion in the second half the season. Photo: Stu Forster
6. Jan Paul van Hecke
The Netherlands youngster has undoubted potential and played well in a rare outing in the FA Cup at Middlesbrough. He does though have Joel Veltman, Lewis Dunk, Adam Webster and Levi Colwill ahead of him. He had a great loan last season at Blackburn and there will no shortage of takers in the second tier if he is available in January. I expect him to go out on loan - unless injury-hit Chelsea recall Colwill. Photo: NIGEL RODDIS
7. Levi Colwill
The 19-uear-old has really impressed at Brighton having joined on loan from Chelsea for the season. Filled in nicely alongside Dunk in Adam Webster's absence and Brighton are understood to be keen to make the loan a permanent switch. Chelsea however have big injury issues and maybe reluctant to agree to any deal at this moment. De Zerbi says he is playing at 60 per cent of his potential, which suggests Albion has a serious talent on their hands. I expect him stay on loan with Albion until the end of the season and then a decision will be made. Hopefully Albion can agree a deal for him. Photo: NIGEL RODDIS
8. Julian Ryerson
The 25-year-old full-back or midfielder currently plays for Bundesliga club Union Berlin and the Norway national team. Brighton are said to among a number of interested parties, including those across Serie A in Italy. Somewhat of an unknown but with Brighton's excellent recent track record in the transfer market he could well be one to look out for. Said to available for around £5m. A potential move here and one to keep a close eye on. Photo: Maja Hitij