Middlesbrough to make decision on Brighton star who dazzled for Ipswich and Burnley
All the January transfer window news and gossip for Brighton and Hove Albion
Brighton winger Jeremy Sarmiento is reportedly wanted by Championship club Middlesbrough.
The Ecuador international is currently on loan in Serie A with Cremonese. The Albion ace has made seven appearances in the Italian top flight but is yet to start and has only registered 137 minutes of action with no goals or assists.
The lack of game-time has prompted calls of a January return to Brighton for the 23-year-old who is contracted with the Seagulls until June 2027.
Another loan or permanent transfer from the south coast is certainly a strong option and Sky Sports have previously reported that Middlesbrough, who are second in the Championship and pushing for promotion, are keen.
Sarmiento has extensive Championship experience and has had loan stints with West Bromwich Albion, Ipswich and Burnley.
Last season he helped Scott Parker's Burnley seal promotion to the top flight and prior to that he helped Kieran McKenna's Ipswich to promotion in the 2023-24 season.
Sarmiento joined Brighton from Benfica in 2021 and has made 21 first team appearances with one goal and two assists.
Sussex World verdict
Sarmiento is a player highly thought of by Brighton but he's unlikely to feature in Fabian Hurzeler's first team anytime soon.
Sarmiento's best position is from the left flank and Albion have the likes of Kaoru Mitoma, Tommy Watson, Ferdi Kadioglu and Maxim De Cuyper all ahead of the Ecuadorian.
After four loans in three seasons, a permanent move for Sarmiento would seem like the best outcome as he tries to establish his career. Middlesbrough may just be that club.