Exclusive: Tommy Watson move to Brighton from Sunderland collapses
Tommy Watson’s move to Brighton from Sunderland is now off as Sunderland are unable to find a replacement, sources have told Football Insider.
Watson was having a medical with the Premier League club earlier on deadline day, as reported exclusively by Football Insider, but the deal is now off for the 18-year-old.
Two days previously (1 February), Sunderland had rejected a bid from the South Coast side, but having accepted a new offer time ran out in the transfer window before it could get over the line.
Watson made his breakthrough for the Black Cats this season, and has made 10 appearances in the Championship, scoring twice.
The teenager is currently out injured, having picked up a first-half knee injury against Bristol City (10 December).
Brighton miss out on Sunderland’s latest academy star Tommy Watson
Chris Rigg grabbed headlines, having made his debut for Sunderland as a 15-year-old in the 2022/23 season.
Now, Watson is catching the attention of the Premier League’s top clubs, as the latest prospect to come through the academy for Sunderland.
Brighton have earned a reputation as a club that buys players early in their career, and gives them a chance to prove themselves when they are ready.
Evan Ferguson made his Brighton debut at the sprightly age of 16, and despite injury issues, established himself as a top prospect before a move to West Ham this transfer window.
Seeing a player like Ferguson establish himself in the first-team so early in his career, likely would have made Brighton an attractive club for Watson.
However, the England Under-18 international will not be available until the summer, when Brighton will next have the chance to entice Watson to leave the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland are well and truly in the running for promotion to the Premier League this year, sitting fourth in the Championship, and if they do go up this year, Watson may be inclined to remain with his current team.
In other news, a Brighton youngster has agreed a deal to leave the club on deadline day.
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