Joel Veltman responds to confirmed transfer announcement at Brighton
Joel Veltman has reacted to the latest confirmed transfer news emerging out of Brighton as Fabian Hurzeler makes additions to his squad.
The Seagulls experienced another successful campaign in the Premier League, finishing eighth in the table, just four points below Nottingham Forest and outside of the European spots.
While Mick Brown told Football Insider that Hurzeler was under pressure after clashing with Brighton supporters earlier in the season, a run of five games without defeat turned the tide towards the end.
Their season prompted plenty of transfer interest, with Bart Verbruggen, Carlos Baleba, Matt O’Riley, Kaoru Mitoma, and Joao Pedro linked with exits, the latter to Newcastle United.
Business has already begun at the Amex Stadium, and though supporters are concerned about their biggest stars potentially leaving, the Seagulls have welcomed a new signing to the club.
Brighton sign Charalampos Kostoulas from Olympiacos
Taking to Instagram (12 June), the official club account wrote: “We are delighted to confirm that Charalampos Kostoulas will join the club on 1 July for an undisclosed fee!”
Velteman responded to the transfer news at the Amex Stadium by liking the announcement, clearly looking forward to working with the young striker.
Fabian Hurzeler means business ahead of next season
Football Insider verdict
Kostoulas looks to be an extremely exciting talent, netting seven goals and assisting another in 35 first-team appearances for Olympiacos, many coming in short cameos off the bench.
The 18-year-old could be quite an important signing, especially given that Football Insider understands that Newcastle could have a bid of £60m for Pedro this summer.
Off the back of an impressive season, there could be other stars who follow the St James’ Park-linked forward out the exit doors this summer, but the Seagulls are very much used to that business model.
In recent seasons, the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Robert Sanchez, Marc Cucurella, and Moises Caicedo have all made the coastal club profit, signing unique talents before developing them into stars.
While it may be frustrating to some supporters, seeing the departures as a setback in the club’s quest to climb up the Premier League table and aim for silverware, it has been successful for the Seagulls.
That is exactly why many are expecting the likes of Mitoma and Baleba to move on this summer, given the transfer fees being floated about, and Hurzeler will need to carefully rebuild for next season.