Hurzeler red card rescinded, possible Enciso contract extension, & other Brighton news from the last 7 days (Brighton news roundup Sept. 22-28)
One of the most ridiculous red cards in recent Premier League history was thankfully overturned and Julio Enciso could be set to sign a new contract (says his agent at least). Let’s go over these stories and everything else you might’ve missed from the last seven days below.
Transfer News
Incoming Transfers
Richard King - West Ham, Brighton in the race for Jamaican center back
According to HITC’s Graeme Bailey, Brighton are targeting Jamaica center back Richard King. West Ham currently lead the race, with Aston Villa and Newcastle also interested. King, 22, has been capped 19 times by Jamaica and is widely regarded as one of Jamaica’s best prospects.
King currently plays for Jamaican Premier League side Cavalier. As far as I can tell, if he is signed by an English Premier League club, he will become the first player in history to be bought by a top-tier English team directly from a Jamaican club.
Bazoumana Touré - Brighton scout in-demand forward
Swedish outlet Fotboll Skanalen have reported that Brighton were in Stockholm on Thursday to watch 18-year-old prospect Bazoumana Touré play for Hammarby against Häcken. The Ivorian left winger scored six goals and had three assists in his first season in Sweden.
Hammarby sporting director, Mikael Hjelmberg, confirmed there was interest in Touré from a number of top clubs and that they would be there to watch him against Häcken. He would not comment on rumors involving specific clubs, however.
Outgoing Transfers
Evan Ferguson - Fabrizio Romano talks up interest from top clubs
Speaking on his podcast, the Debrief, everyone’s favorite transfer guru Fabrizio Romano revealed that there is still a huge amount of interest in Evan Ferguson, despite his recent drop in form. “I can guarantee he’s still in the list of several clubs,” Romano said.
The Italian also added that he expects Ferguson to be on the radar of top clubs for the “next years,” so it doesn’t sound like any big names are ready to make a move for Brighton’s Irish wonderkid just yet.
Other News
Hurzeler red card rescinded
If you are reading this before Chelsea vs. Brighton, you should expect to see Fabian Hurzeler on the sideline when you tune into the match later today. The German explained in his pre-match press conference earlier in the week that the EPL had rescinded his touchline ban for encroaching on the pitch last week against Wolves. However, Hurzeler said the league still was going to fine him for the incident.
Enciso contract extension possible, says agent
After hinting at some potential discontent with his role at Brighton last week, Julio Enciso now could be set to sign a new contract with the club. In an interview with Paraguayan outlet Versus, his agent, Pedro Aldave, said there was a chance that Enciso will sign a contract extension. “We already spoke with Brighton (about a contract extension)," he said.
However, Aldave also clarified that those talks took place during Enciso’s first season with Brighton. He also pointed out that there are a number of clubs who would be interested in signing Enciso if he decided to leave the Albion.
Brighton draw Liverpool in Carabao Cup fourth round
Following the club’s 3-2 win over Wolves in round 3, the Albion will host Liverpool on October 29 in the Carabao Cup fourth round. A time for this fixture has yet to be announced.
Brighton have only advanced past the fourth round once in their entire 123-year history. That was in the 1978/79 season, when the club were knocked out by Nottingham Forest in the quarter finals. 1978-79 was also the year Brighton earned promotion from the old Division Two into the top flight for the first time in club history.
Mainz sporting director reveals Gruda sell-on clause
Speaking to SportBild, Mainz 05 sporting director, Christian Heidel, confirmed initial reports that there was a sell-on clause included in the deal that brought Brajan Gruda to Brighton from Mainz.
“Brajan has the potential to become an outstanding player. If this potential is exploited, we want to participate in it. And that’s how the contract is designed,” he explained.
Kiko Seike named Seike EA SPORTS FC 25 Team of the Week
After her record-breaking hat trick in her debut last week, Kiko Seike has become the first Brighton Women player to be recognized by EA Sports in their Team of the Week. Not the biggest accomplishment, but it’s always good to see a Brighton player get their flowers.
Hearts CEO clarifies club’s relationship with Brighton
Speaking to Sky Sports Scotland, Heart of Midlothian CEO Andrew McKinlay revealed that Hearts are “working with an analytics company” to find their next manager. This company is almost certainly Tony Bloom’s Starlizard. Reports last week claimed Bloom and Hearts had agreed to a £10m deal, giving the club access to Starlizard analytics resources and Bloom a buy-option for a stake in the club.
McKinlay would not confirm these reports, but said people can put “two and two together” and called reports of Bloom buying into the club “interesting” and “hugely exciting.”
Potter says he was in talks to return to Brighton
In an interview with The Athletic published this week about his time at Chelsea, Graham Potter revealed that he was in consideration for the Brighton job after Roberto De Zerbi resigned last May. Potter said it was not the “correct moment” to go back, but did not make clear how far along the discussions were before he made up his mind.
Injury Updates (direct quotes or quote summaries from Hurzeler)
Joao Pedro: The forward will not be available for Chelsea. “We can't take any risk…I'm sure he won't be out for long.”
Brajan Gruda: “He will be back in the squad very soon, maybe already at the weekend.”
Solly March: “It's unbelievable how good Solly is adapting…He looks very sharp and we have to make the next decision (on his recovery).”
Yasin Ayari: Missed last week due to illness. “He will be back.”
Matt O’Riley & James Milner: No updates. Both expected to be out for multiple more weeks.
Loan Summary
Amario Cozier-Duberry scored a hat trick for Blackburn’s U21 team against Carlisle United on Tuesday. He has played a total of 15 minutes for the Riversiders so far this season. Hopefully this strong performance can springboard him into a bigger role with the first team. Blackburn play today at 12:30pm BST.
Valentin Barco started for Sevilla at left back in the club’s 2-1 win versus Valladolid on Tuesday. However, his position in the starting XI has come under fire due to his limited defensive abilities. Sevilla’s next match is at 8:15pm BST on Sunday.
Facundo Buonanotte returned from injury to play 35 minutes off the bench versus Everton in the EPL last weekend for Leicester. He then started for the Foxes in their win against Walsall in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday. He’s in strong contention to start today at Arsenal at 3:00pm BST.