A Pott of gold as stars are targeted
GRAHAM POTTER reckons it’s a “good problem” that big clubs want to spend big money on his star players this summer – as Brighton dream of building a team fit for Europe in future.
Albion face West Ham today looking for a win that would guarantee them a place in the top 10 for the first time in their history.
But the match is also a shop window for goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, midfielder Yves Bissouma and left-back Marc Cucurella.
Sanchez has been linked with a £50million move to Leicester City to replace Kasper Schmeichel, Bissouma with a £50m transfer to Manchester United, Aston Villa or Tottenham – and Cucurella with a £30m switch to Man City.
It all adds up to a potential £130m transfer jamboree for a club that is steadily moving up the Premier League and growing year on year – and which has already sold defender Ben White to Arsenal for £50m.
And Potter, who insists Brighton could follow West Ham’s lead and qualify for Europe in future, says he’s happy rather than anxious about the transfer window.
“I won’t complain about having too many £40m or £50m players, that’s for sure,” he said. “Let’s say it’s a good problem!
“There’s a hierarchy in football and the reality is finances aren’t equal.
“We can’t sit here and say we’ll keep all our players between now and five years’ time, because that clearly puts a huge strain on the economic situation of the club.
“It’s about selling the right player at the right time at the right price.”
Brighton will have midfielder Enock Mwepu back in the squad today after injury.