Brighton fans blown away as Tommy Watson news confirmed
Brighton’s pursuit of Sunderland youngster Tommy Watson has taken a significant step ahead of the summer transfer window.
Watson’s future has been the subject of huge speculation almost ever since he made his Sunderland debut back in April 2023, and two years on, he remains the radar of the Premier League’s leading clubs.
Brighton have long since led the race to sign the 18-year-old, as Football Insider reported on 1 February that Sunderland initially rejected a seven-figure offer from Brighton late in the winter transfer window.
Football Insider also revealed on Deadline Day that Brighton’s move for the teenager, after a second bid was accepted, was abandoned at the 11th hour due to Sunderland being unable to find a replacement.
Watson had looked set to join Brighton on a permanent deal before the plug was pulled during his medical at the Amex Stadium, but signs are much brighter for the Seagulls heading into the summer.
Brighton confirm Tommy Watson transfer agreement
Having seen their January pursuit of the former England Under-18s winger come to nothing at the death, as well as a late bid for Watson last August, Brighton have finally achieved their transfer breakthrough.
The Seagulls posted on their X account (1 April) to confirm that they have now reached an agreement with Brighton to sign Watson for an undisclosed fee, reported by Fabrizio Romano as £10million.
Watson will arrive at the Amex this June on a contract signed until 2029, and once the summer transfer window opens, his step up to Premier League level will be realised under the tutelage of Fabian Hurzeler.
Brighton fans buoyant as Tommy Watson transfer confirmed
Watson’s signature finally being secured by Brighton hasn’t been met fondly by Sunderland fans, who aren’t happy that arguably their best young prospect’s exit has been confirmed during their own run-in.
Sunderland are still within a very good chance of joining the Seagulls in the Premier League next season, meaning he could end up facing his former team-mates if Brighton do come up against the Black Cats.
However, Seagulls fans are delighted that Hurzeler has signed a “future star”, with Brighton known for developing young talents and one suggesting that Chelsea may already be sniffing around with a £150m bid lined up.
Brighton securing a future star! 🔵⚪️ Excited to see what Tommy Watson brings to the Premier League. 💎🔥
— Marietta (@Ketty611865) April 1, 2025
Goood recruitement for Brighton
— Said Tibita (@Hatib147) April 1, 2025
Tommy Watson very promising talent 👏🏾 https://t.co/uxT0GoxmX7
He joined 3 months ago.
— Brightonian (@Brightonian_) April 1, 2025
You need to expand your time horizon. Brighton give more minutes to young players than most PL clubs, that’s probably what Watson and his family / agents have taken note of.
A few comments asking why a young lad from the area, Tommy Watson, would want to sign for Brighton.
— SunderMad (Aka cyprussyd) (@SunderMad) April 2, 2025
Nice area, near the bright lights of London, a massive pay rise probably putting him in millionaire status and premier league player.
No idea why he agreed to deal.
Fairplay to Brighton they never gave up trying to sign Watson, they have benn after him since 2023
— Ian Spencer (@ThespenceUK) April 1, 2025
Brighton’s a far better bet for a young prospect like Watson than Ipswich. I think he’ll do well in time — and I really hope he does.
— Philip West (@Philip_RJ89) April 1, 2025
Announcing that Tommy Watson will be joining Brighton at the end of the season seems a very strange way to do business. SAFC.has seven games left before the play-offs. Watson could have been a key player?
— Ian Mowbray (@OnceaHead) April 1, 2025
🔵Chelsea have agreed to sign Tommy Watson, here we go!
— K C (@KC55548288) April 2, 2025
The young lad will be expected to stay in Brighton and join Chelsea in 2027 as they (Chelsea) view him as their key important player.
Long term contract agreed and fee in region of £150m. P