Exclusive: Millwall agree deal for Brighton sensation, another signing is also close
Millwall have won the race to land Brighton sensation Tommy Watson on loan ahead of several of their Championship rivals, sources have told Football Insider.
The second-tier club have agreed terms on the deal for the 19-year-old and are set to wrap up the transfer ahead of Monday evening’s cut-off.
Brighton are keen to see Watson move on loan after he made 10 appearances this season since joining from Sunderland last summer.
In his final appearance, Watson scored to secure Sunderland’s promotion to the Premier League in the play-off final against Sheffield United in May.
Millwall are also attempting to complete the signing of Anthony Patterson from Sunderland before the deadline, with the goalkeeper also having played a key role in their promotion.
Tommy Watson set for Championship return
Watson made his breakthrough in the Championship last season, emerging as a serious option for Regis Le Bris before an injury halted his progress.
Stoke City were among the clubs interested in loaning the 19-year-old in the winter, and, ironically, it was against the Potters that he attracted huge attention.
Watson, just 18 at the time, was handed the start and lashed in a brilliant equaliser after Sunderland had gone behind early on.
| Tommy Watson | Championship 2024-25 |
| Appearances | 20 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Chances created | 13 |
| Successful dribbles | 13 |
| Duels won | 49 |
The game would centre around the teenager from then on, and in the 86th minute, he found the all-important winner, which flew past Viktor Johansson via a deflection.
Despite Watson’s future having already been confirmed to be away from the Stadium of Light, he remained committed and came up with the moment of his Sunderland career, in the final seconds of it.
Picking up the ball in the 95th minute of the play-off final, he rolled the ball into the back of the Sheffield United net to seal promotion and sign off in style.
He now looks set to play his part in another promotion race, as Millwall attempt to turn their Premier League dreams to reality.
Millwall continue to strengthen amid promotion push
The arrival of Barry Bannan, and the arrivals expected soon in Watson and Patterson, will strengthen an already well-placed Millwall.
Alex Neil‘s squad have lacked consistent results of late, but they remain firmly in the top six, and within just three points of third-placed Hull City.
The Lions came extremely close to securing a place in the play-offs last season, and they will hope to put that right over the coming months.
Neil and his players will be aware, however, that there is plenty more work that needs to be done before they can make history by setting foot in the Premier League for the first time ever.