Graham Potter outlines Brighton's bold transfer strategy amid Yves Bissouma, Ben White and Tariq Lamptey fears

Brighton head coach Graham Potter is rarely one to get flustered and even the prospect of losing a star player to a Premier League giant is little cause for concern
Graham Potter has helped Yves Bissouma to greater consistency in the Premier LeagueGraham Potter has helped Yves Bissouma to greater consistency in the Premier League
Graham Potter has helped Yves Bissouma to greater consistency in the Premier League

The likes of Yves Bissouma and Ben White have impressed for Albion this season and continue to be linked with big money deals away from the Amex Stadium.

Tariq Lamptey, who has been out the last two months with a hamstring injury, also has his admirers, while the fine recent displays of Adam Webster have elevated him into the England conversation and no doubt made a few Premier League managers take note.

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These four would improve many top flight squads in England and across Europe but they would also command hefty transfer fees.

Potter is clear he wants to work with these talented players for the long term good of Albion but is also fully aware of the football hierarchy.

Brighton have been steadfast of late and refused big offers from Leeds United for White and Albion also kept hold of their captain Lewis Dunk in recent seasons despite strong interest from Leicester and Chelsea.

But losing is big name player is not something Potter fears, he actually believes the right deal at the right time can help the club progress.

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“In order for us to develop and grow, you have to have the confidence and ability to make a sale at the right time for the right price," said Potter.

Defender Ben White continues to be linked with big money moves away from BrightonDefender Ben White continues to be linked with big money moves away from Brighton
Defender Ben White continues to be linked with big money moves away from Brighton

“Everybody knows the football pyramid is what it is. It isn’t anything to be afraid of, it’s something to be proud of.

“But what you have to ensure is you carry on improving, otherwise it has a negative effect.

“That’s where the challenge is but, for us to move forward, it is something we have to understand as a club.

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“Otherwise, what happens is you stick with your players, the salaries increase and increase and then you’re hit with a point where your structures have gone awry.

Bayern Munich were said to be keen on Brighton's flying wing back Tariq LampteyBayern Munich were said to be keen on Brighton's flying wing back Tariq Lamptey
Bayern Munich were said to be keen on Brighton's flying wing back Tariq Lamptey

“That process is something we have to be intelligent with but be brave enough to be able to understand why we’re doing it and always try to develop the club.”

Albion continue to promote their own talented youngsters from the academy with Steven Alzate, Aaron Connolly, Rob Sanchez and White all making a positive impact on the first team.

Alexis Mac Allister, 22, has impressed this campaign too while Brighton have also signed youngsters Jakub Moder, Michal Karbownik and Moises Caicedo. The hope is they will improve under Potter and in turn their transfer values will increase significantly.

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Bissouma, who arrived from Lille in 2018 for a reported £15 million, is a prime example. Arsenal are said to be very keen on the 24-year-old Mali international who could fetch around £40m in today's market.

Robert Sanchez progressed through the Albion academy and is impressing in the first teamRobert Sanchez progressed through the Albion academy and is impressing in the first team
Robert Sanchez progressed through the Albion academy and is impressing in the first team

“I think it’s a process of time," said Potter when asked about Bissouma's improvement. "About him trying to be a bit more consistent on and off the pitch.

“It’s the coaching process. The longer you are with each other, the deeper it gets. The more you understand each other, then the better our team structure is, the easier it is for him to make decisions.

“The fact he has taken a bigger responsibility in the team also helps him. Every day we are trying to help him to understand what it means and what it takes to be a top player.

“I think he has taken some steps there and I think there is some more to come from him, which is exciting.”