Jeremy Sarmiento transfer to Middlesbrough explained and why Brighton didn't sell to Birmingham or Wrexham

First it was Middlesbrough, then Birmingham or Wrexham and then back to Middlesbrough.

Each window brings a little drama and Jeremy Sarmiento's expected exit from Brighton has not appeared to be straight forward.

Whatever happened though now seems to be sorted and Ecuador international winger is in the closing stages of finalising his transfer to the north east.

The 23-year-old former Charlton and Benfica man will join Championship club Middlesbrough on loan for the remainder of the season, with an obligation to buy for around £3.2m, plus add-ons - which could see the final figure rise to around £5m. It will be a four-and-a-half year deal for Sarmiento.

It's reported that Sarmiento always preferred the Middlesbrough option, despite interest from Birmingham and Wrexham.

The Birmingham deal was complication

The Birmingham talks were complicated as an initial loan was not an option as the club already have two Brighton loanees in Ibrahim Osman and James Beadle.

It will be Sarmiento's fourth loan to a Championship club, following stints at West Bromwich Albion, Ipswich and Burnley.

Sarmiento helped Ipswich and Burnley to promotion

He helped both Ipswich and Burnley gain promotion to the Premier League and that experience and know how will certainly be useful for Middlesbrough, who are second and pushing for automatic promotion.

Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg said: "I know him [Sarmiento].

"He's played in Brighton, of course, and I told you before I watched them play some Premier League games when I watched [Roberto] De Zerbi. So I've seen him. Good player."

Sarmiento joined Brighton in 2021 and has made 21 appearances for the Seagulls. He spent the first half of this campaign on loan in Serie A with Cremonese.

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.

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