BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - APRIL 04: Roberto De Zerbi, Manager of Brighton & Hove Albion, looks on prior to the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Brighton & Hove Albion at Vitality Stadium on April 04, 2023 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Watford starlet keen on Premier League switch amid Newcastle United, Brighton interest
Watford attacking midfielder Yaser Asprilla is ‘keen’ on a Premier League transfer amid recent links, Alan Nixon has said on his Patreon.
Watford have seen some talented players break through under their watch before going onto bigger and better things. Columbian prodigy Asprilla looks like he could be one of the next to do so, and he’s already drawn admiring glances from elsewhere.
The 19-year-old has been linked with both Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion this summer.
He’s already got three caps and a goal to his name for Colombia’s national team and now, reporter Nixon has said on his Patreon that Asprilla’s eyes are on a move to the Premier League.
It is said that he’s keen on a switch as he looks to test himself in the top-flight.
Asprilla has played 41 times for Watford’s first-team, chipping in with a goal and two assists for the Hornets in the process.
On the way up?
Time will tell just how the rumoured interest in Asprilla develops but with the player seemingly interested in a step up to the Premier League, it could be that he’s tempted away from Vicarage Road before the end of the month.
As a 19-year-old, full international with three years left on his contract, Watford are in a good place. They won’t be forced to cash in but at the same time, they could definitely land a good fee for the attacking midfielder.
He’s yet to nail down a regular, starting role under Valerien Ismael. He’s come on as a substitute against both Plymouth Argyle and Stoke City while he remained unused off the bench in the 4-0 win over QPR on the opening day. Asprilla looks a really bright talent though, and the fact he’s on the radars of Newcastle and Brighton goes to show just how highly he is viewed.
Report: Ligue 1’s Rising Star Finds New Home in Brighton
Brighton’s New Gem
Brighton & Hove Albion might’ve just found the diamond in the rough they’ve been looking for. After the departure of Moises Caicedo to Chelsea in a record-shattering £115m deal, the Seagulls have set their sights on Lille’s sensation, Carlos Baleba. 90Min reports confirm this exciting transfer narrative.
A New Home for the Teen Prodigy
Destined for the AMEX Stadium, the 19-year-old Cameroonian’s absence in Lille’s showdown against Lorient speaks volumes about his commitment to his next adventure. His journey to Brighton is imminent, with a medical on the horizon.
This isn’t a sudden revelation. Earlier this year, whispers of Brighton’s interest in Baleba became evident. And with the transfer saga reaching its crescendo, it seems Brighton have their Caicedo successor in sight.
The Deal’s Anatomy
Negotiations between Brighton and Lille have been intense, resembling a classic game of chess. Now, however, the contours of the deal have taken shape. At the crux, a transaction is expected to hover around the €30m (£25.7m) territory.
But it’s not just about money. Baleba seems poised for the English coastline. He’s shaken hands on a robust five-year contract with a sprinkling of an additional 12-month option. Yet, before he graces the Premier League’s manicured pitches, there’s a medical to hurdle. Brighton, cautious yet optimistic, will ensure their new asset has a clean bill of health.
Baleba – The Central Beacon
The past Ligue 1 season was somewhat of a breakout for Baleba. Filling the shoes of the departed Amadou Onana, he demonstrated his mettle, seamlessly owning the central midfield domain.
Given his prowess, the lad wasn’t short of admirers. Premier League clubs kept tabs on Baleba, their scouts presumably scribbling notes filled with admiration. But in this transfer tussle, Brighton seems to have played the winning hand.
Roberto De Zerbi, Brighton’s tactician-in-chief, will undoubtedly be brewing tactical masterclasses with Baleba in mind. De Zerbi’s prior emphasis on finding a player sharing Caicedo’s essence hints at the expectations laid on young Baleba’s shoulders: “In the Premier League, in midfield positions, sometimes you need strength, more impact.”
Closing Thoughts
In the grand theatre of football, Brighton’s move for Baleba is reminiscent of a bold gambit. Whether it pays off or not, only time will tell. But for now, the Seagulls and their fans can bask in the potential of this thrilling acquisition.
