'He can' – Fabian Hurzeler's last words on Jakub Moder as January exit looks certain

Brighton midfielder Jakub Moder looks set to leave this January transfer window with Everton and Leicester both keen on the Poland international.

Moder, 25, has struggled for minutes under head coach Fabian Hurzeler this term and is yet to start a Premier League match.

Moder is out of contract this summer and January is perhaps the last chance Brighton have of receiving a fee for the player they signed from Lech Poznan for around £9m in 2020.

During his time with the Seagulls, Moder suffered a serious knee injury as he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his knee during a match against Norwich City in April 2022. It kept him out for almost 18 months and he made his return for Brighton in November 2023 at Nottingham Forest.

Leicester, who were close to signing Moder last summer, are said to have rekindled interest but Everton are reportedly to be leading the race for the player who has made 69 appearances for the Seagulls. Bundesliga clubs Freiburg and Stuttgart have also be linked.

Hurzeler has been impressed by the midfielder but has so far selected the likes of Carlos Baleba, Jack Hinshelwood, James Milner, Yasin Ayari, Matt O’Riley and Mats Wieffer ahead of him.

While the January arrival of Diego Gomez for around £12m from Inter Miami adds to the competition.

Last November, Hurzeler was asked about Moder’s situation by Sussex World: “He had a long injury, a bad injury. Before this he was an impressive player, it’s also our responsibility to get him back into shape and he’s looking good.

“He needs game time, he needs minutes to get back to the shape and I hope that he will stay fit and he will be training. It is so important, now like all the other players it’s about them and the will and an intrinsic motivation to improve everyday.

"Then I’m sure that he can play an important part in our squad because he has a lot of skills. He’s fast, he’s good with the left and right foot, he can play in several positions so these players are always helpful for the squad.”