BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 31: Roberto De Zerbi, Manager of Brighton & Hove Albion, looks on prior to the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Arsenal FC at American Express Community Stadium on December 31, 2022 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
Blackburn Rovers sign Brighton youngster Moran on loan
Rovers have completed the signing of Republic of Ireland Under-21 midfielder Andrew Moran on a season-long loan from Brighton.
The 19-year-old joined the Seagulls from Bray Wanderers in 2020 and signed a new long-term deal earlier this summer.
Moran scored a brace for Brighton’s Under-21 side in a 3-2 victory against Walsall in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night.
He featured in a Premier League game against Everton earlier this year and has been named on the bench on several occasions.
The youngster had been linked with a number of clubs in England and abroad over potential loan deals, but Rovers’ style of play is said to have been a key selling point for the Seagulls.
Director of football Gregg Broughton said: “We are delighted to welcome Andy to Blackburn Rovers. He is a player that we have worked hard on all summer to attract to the club.
“Andy in one of the many talented young Irish players to have been recruited by Brighton and he will bring a great attacking threat to our squad.
“He is capable of playing centrally and in wide areas, he is very comfortable in possession and he is aggressive without the ball. We would like to thank Brighton for their support with this loan deal, which we hope will be very successful for all parties.”
Moran will wear the number 24 shirt at Ewood Park and arrives in time to be eligible for Sunday’s trip to Watford, subject to approval from the football authorities. He is also available to play in both cup competitions this season.
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Brighton’s record breaking £35m transfer suffers surprise collapse amid West Ham u-turn
Brighton have been tracking the Ghana international for sometime and had agreed a fee of around £34m with Ajax. It would have been a record deal for Brighton, surpassing the £30m they paid Watford for Joao Pedro at the start of the window.
However, the deal broke down as Kudus – who had also been linked with Chelsea and West Ham – waited for other offers and failed to agree personal terms with the Seagulls.
West Ham are now reportedly closing in on their fourth signing of the summer and it seems the Hammers have pipped Albion and agreed a £38million deal for Kudus.
The trio of new arrivals Edson Alvarez, James Ward-Prowse and Konstantinos Mavropanos have already given the club a boost, according to their head coach David Moyes.
“I think the new signings have given us a huge lift within the camp over the last week. They have also added lots of different qualities,” he said.
“We can’t judge them too much yet because you are only talking about training and for Edson you are talking about 20 minutes (match time).
“But I think there has been a huge buzz and the result (beating Chelsea 3-1) as well was incredible to win, with where we are and what is expected of Chelsea.
“We are in a good position and we have a bit of a chance to see if we can go and beat Brighton.”
Albion are still looking to add to their squad before the transfer window closes on September 1. They also suffered an injury blow as impressive playmaker Julio Enciso has been ruled out for around four months with a knee injury.
“We will be without Julio for a long period,” said Albion head coach Roberto De Zerbi. “It can happen in football, but I am sorry for him because he was playing really well, it is a shame for him.
“Before the injury of Julio, my focus has been on other attackers. Especially now, without Julio, I think we need another player.”
