The Seagulls need to fill the position following Sebastian Pocognoli’s decision to return to Standard Liege.
Brighton and Hove Albion are looking to further strengthen their squad ahead of the new Premier League season, which begins in just 45 days.
Following the arrivals of midfielder Pascal Groß and goalkeeper Mat Ryan, the focus now switches to securing a left-back that’ll bolster Chris Hughton’s defence.
Gaëtan Bong is the only natural left-back currently in the squad. The Cameroonian has played well during his time on the south coast, but it’s unlikely he can play all 38 Premier League games and subsequent cup matches. It will be a gruelling campaign, and a backup is most definitely needed.
Liam Rosenior has played at left-back previously during his time at the Albion, but he is more likely to cover club captain Bruno at right-back this year. With Chris Hughton only allowed to register 25 players for the upcoming season, one would expect him to select four distinguished full-backs.
I’m sure I wasn’t the only Brighton fan who wanted Sebastian Pocognoli to stay after his loan spell last season. The Belgian brought a sense of calm and composure to the defence and will remembered for scoring a wonderful free-kick at Loftus Road against Queens Park Rangers- a goal that secured a vital three points in the Seagull’s promotion push.
Pocognoli insists Albion hadn’t offered any contract to him, and that he felt he couldn’t wait any longer for a deal to be put on the table. I therefore wish Poco all the best with Standard Liege.
Speculation has been floating around the media, with three defenders possibly being targeted by the Albion. But will they bring with them the quality that is needed to stay in the Premier League?
Liverpool’s Joe Gomez has been a name that has been whispered around since the start of the summer, with the 20-year-old looking to restart his career following a cruciate injury.
The youngster is good with both feet, and will push forward when his team are on the attack.
Gomez made just three appearances in the FA Cup last season following his long lay-off with injury, but did show early potential when he first broke into the Liverpool side two years ago.
Celtic have also been interested in acquiring his services, but according to The Mirror, the Seagulls have beaten them to his signature.
There has been a lot more activity over in Germany, with Austrian international Markus Suttner unhappy that Ingolstadt won’t allow him to leave the club.
Brighton made an offer of around £2m for the defender which was rejected, and according to the player’s agent, the 30-year-old wants his ‘dream move to the Premier League’.
Suttner made 38 appearances for Ingolstadt last season, and made an average of three interceptions per match. His key strengths are his passing and ability to run up and down the left channel. He has also represented Austria 18 times.
The final player who hasn’t had as much attention is Schalke’s Dennis Aogo.
The German can play left back and defensive midfield, and is also out of contract at the end of the month.
Aogo is renowned in Germany for his passing ability, but his defending has raised eyebrows. The 30-year old featured predominantly for Schalke in the Europa League last season, and struggled to break into the side for their league matches.
Of the three, I think Joe Gomez would be the pick of the bunch. The Liverpool youngster has some Premier League experience and will provide the defence with the necessary pace needed to keep up with some of the quickest and trickiest wingers in the world.
Whoever comes in needs to be on it from the first minute on opening weekend, when Manchester City come to town.
Liam Richner 