Seagulls loan stars looking to make an impact next season
Brighton and Hove Albion have enjoyed a fine season in the Premier League – but who could break into Graham Potter’s first team next term?
Brighton currently have a small army of players out on loan around the country and across the European leagues.
Some have performed well this season while others have struggled to make an impact in their temporary surroundings.
Albion’s recent transfer policy has been to snap-up some of the finest young talent in world football at affordable prices and then develop them as best as they can.
Part of that process is often to send the players out on loan where they can gain regular first team experience and hopefully put themselves in a position to challenge for a place in the Premier League matchday squads.
For the most part it has worked pretty well of late with first team regulars such as Rob Sanchez, Alexis Mac Allister, Jakub Moder and Moises Caicedo all experiencing a loan spell before establishing themselves.
Ben White was also a prime example as he impressed while on loan at Newport County, Peterborough United and Leeds United before excelling in the Premier League with Albion ahead of his £50m move to Arsenal.
It’s a pretty sound business model for clubs who operate on the one of the smaller wage budgets in the Premier League.
Brighton’s next wave of loanees will now be assessed this summer by Potter and his staff – but which ones are capable of making the leap to the first team next season?
Jan Paul van Hecke
Very highly regarded at Albion and the Netherlands under-21 international defender had a successful loan in the Championship at Blackburn. Was voted the Rovers’ player of the season and will hope to push hard next season for the place in Graham Potter’s team.
Reda Khadra
The exciting young winger also impressed at Blackburn and chipped in with goals and assists. Could offer Potter an attacking option next term but another loan appears more likely
Kacper Kozlowski
The Poland international midfielder joined in January and was loaned to Union SG. Had a strong end to the season and made nine appearances for SG. Promising talent.
Kaoru Mitoma
The 24-year-old Japan international is another on loan at USG. A match winner on his day and has the skills to light up the Amex. The Premier League would be a huge step-up but a player who may well interest Potter
Aaron Connolly
The striker scored just twice while on loan at Middlesbrough. Very difficult to see him being a regular with Brighton in the PL but could be a useful impact player. The door is not tally closed but much will depend on how he settles back in this summer.
Taylor Richards
Had a frustrating loan at Birmingham due to injury. A very talented midfielder and made a couple of outings from the bench in PL for Potter prior to his loan. Has a chance
but Albion are stacked in midfield another loan maybe on the cards
Kjell Scherpen
The 6ft 9in goalkeeper played for Albion in the FA Cup before his loan to Oostende. Will hope to challenge Rob Sanchez for gametime next season.
Deniz Undav
Brighton fans have high hopes for this German striker. He banged in the goals for Union last term and hope to make the step-up to the PL. Is he the man to add the clinical edge to Potter-ball?
Andi Zeqiri
Has had a few injury issues this season. Scored just twice for Augsburg in the Bundesliga. Made a few PL appearances for Potter and the head coach has previously praised the Swiss international for his attitude.
Will push for a spot but faces stiff competition and another loan could be on the cards for the striker.
The next wave of loanees will now be assessed this summer