Tag: Premier League

Opposition in focus: Manchester United (H)

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Brighton and Hove Albion will be looking to bounce back from last weekend’s disappointing defeat at Watford when they host Manchester United at the Amex Stadium on Sunday. (kick-off 16:00)

Pascal Groß netted the winner when the two sides last met back in April – a fixture Seagulls fans will remember fondly as they guaranteed Premier League survival against Jose Mourinho’s men. Before that the pair had faced each other twice at Old Trafford – with both games ending in a United victory.

The Red Devils finished second in the Premier League last season but failed to win a single trophy. Pressure will now by on Mourinho and the team to lift some silverware, but they got off to the perfect start last week a Paul Pogba penalty and Luke Shaw’s first competitive goal saw off Leicester City 2-1 at Old Trafford.

Manchester United fan and Stretty News contributor Jamie Spoor explains his thoughts on United’s lack of spending, Luke Shaw and the game against Brighton on Sunday.

Manchester United had a rather turbulent pre-season. In your opinion what were the reasons for that and who is to blame?

Our pre-season was a complete nightmare. Mourinho certainly didn’t help matters by his negative demeanour, frequent outbursts and criticism of the players, especially the younger ones. He was frustrated that the World Cup deprived United of several key men during the US Tour, but we knew that was always going to be the case and we only won one game. Although it was only pre-season, the results were disappointing – especially the defeats against Liverpool and Bayern Munich. Plodding around the US with a scratch side made up largely of reserves and fringe players, we learned little and it was far from ideal preparation ahead of the season.

Fred and Diogo Dalot were the only major signings that came through the Old Trafford doors this summer, with Mourinho obviously unhappy about the amount of targets missed. Does the lack of business during the transfer window worry you?

It is very concerning – particularly as Mourinho had devised a list of players he wanted to bring in to strengthen our squad. Top of that list was a top class centre-back alongside Eric Bailly as Smalling and Jones are simply not good enough. We were linked with Toby Alderweireld and Harry Maguire among others, but the window closed without us bringing in anyone apart from Dalot and Fred. I’m looking forward to seeing what both can do, but I didn’t feel they were players we necessarily needed. Overall, our transfer window inactivity was a shambles, the board have a lot to answer for and Mourinho has a right to be very frustrated by the lack of signings.

There is still a lot of speculation regarding the futures of Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba. Are you confident either one of them or both will stay at the Club this summer?

I very much hope so. The transfer window for the rest of Europe is open for another couple of weeks, which means the club are unlikely to sell them both as we couldn’t get a replacement. Pogba in particular is a player we should look to build our team around, he is a player I believe has world class ability as we saw with France in the summer. Martial I’d be less unhappy about losing, he is an unbelievable talent but his attitude leaves a lot to be desired. The fact he has earned the nickname Le Sulk tells you everything you need to know. Mourinho wanted to let him go in the summer, but the board were unwilling to sell. Martial looked like a world beater when he first came, he was magnificent in that first season but has lost his way since and looks like a player that doesn’t want to be at United. It feels like his United career is at a crossroad at the minute.

One player that really impressed during United’s victory over Leicester last week was Luke Shaw. Do you see this as a golden opportunity for him to prove his right to be at the Club?

Absolutely. Luke Shaw should be starting at left-back for Manchester United week in, week out. He’s better than Ashley Young in every conceivable way, and his performance against Leicester was probably the biggest positive, apart from the result. It felt like it could be the start of a new beginning for him, a chance of redemption for a player whose United career has been one of unfulfilled promise so far. He’s had rotten luck with a loss of form, fitness and a number of injury problems, not to mention several public and acrimonious run-ins with Mourinho. He seemed certain to leave in the summer, and the one before that, but has worked hard to turn his fortunes around and get back in the manager’s good books. He’s got a long way to go before we can say he’s finally lived up to his burgeoning potential and makes the left-back spot his own, having shown only glimpses of the form that persuaded United to sign him from Southampton in 2014, where he was regarded as the finest young full-back in the country.

Who poses the biggest threat to Brighton’s defence on Sunday?

Romelu Lukaku looks set to play in this game, and on his day he is unplayable. He scored 27 goals last season, which would have been 30 if not for injury. After a good World Cup with Belgium, hopefully he’ll hit the ground running and come back fit and firing. Marcus Rashford is always a handful with his pace, and we all know about the world class talent of Alexis Sanchez, although he’s yet to show it in the red of United. The battle between our front three, and Brighton’s centre half partnership of Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy – who were really impressive last season – could well hold the key.

Brighton could give home debuts to Martin Montoya, Yves Bissouma and
Alireza Jahanbakhsh. Do you feel that it will be one of the new signings that causes United the most problems on the pitch?

To be honest, I don’t really know too much about any of Brighton’s new summer signings, they are something of an unknown quantity. For Albion to sign a Champions League winner in Martin Montoya is a real coup, and shows the ambition and upward mobility of the club. He is the only one I’ve heard of and could be a tough nut to crack.

When we came down to the Amex last time, it was Anthony Knockaert who ran the show – he terrorised our defence and is a player who I’ve always been a big fan of. Although he is mercurial and unpredictable, for me he is still Brighton’s go-to match winner. His pace and directness causes problems, and hopefully Matteo Darmian will be able to deal with him better this time around. With their new strikers now on board, it will be interesting to see who Chris Hughton calls upon to lead the line.

The Seagulls began the season with a disappointing 2-0 defeat at Watford. Chris Hughton will be expecting a response from his players, so are you nervous about playing Brighton this weekend? A team who may also be buoyed from last season’s victory over United at the Amex?

Any away game in the Premier League is a difficult one, no matter who you are. Brighton were very strong at the Amex last season – I think they only lost three times – which is very impressive for a newly promoted side. Hughton is an under-rated manager, he will send Brighton out to get in our faces, not be cowed and to play without fear. They are well-drilled, well organised and work hard. They have pace in their team and are going to be hard to get through. The atmosphere will be feverish, Brighton won’t show us any respect at all, and it certainly won’t be an easy game. It was a poor result for them at Watford, but what better way for them to respond from that with a home result over the mighty Manchester United to get them off and running for the season. I think it will be a different type of game from the one we saw last time, Albion will be scenting another big name scalp and I expect a very tough test of United’s credentials.

How do you see Brighton and Hove Albion doing this season?

The second season in the Premier League is always much harder than the first for a new team, and I think that could be the case for Brighton this time. Goals proved hard to come by last season and Albion were the third lowest scorers in the league, even though they survived in relative comfort in 15th place. Hughton has attempted to rectify that by bringing in the aforementioned Jahanbakhsh and Florin Andone to bolster striking options, but it remains to be seen how the new arrivals will fare. I do have a soft spot for Brighton and I like Chris Hughton, but I think they could get found out a bit and will struggle. I’d loved to proved wrong, but I think there could be a relegation battle to contend with.

Many are suggesting that it is imperative that Manchester United win a trophy this season. What do you think will be classed as a successful campaign for Jose Mourinho’s side?

Any season without silverware of some sort has to be considered unacceptable when you’re Manchester United. Last season was a marked improvement in the league, we finished second on 81 points in our best league placing since Sir Alex retired. But we lost the FA Cup Final, so had nothing to show for it. We’re certainly not good enough to win the Premier League or the Champions League, but we’re no better and no worse than last season so I think we’re comfortably going to finish in the top four. I think our best chance of a trophy will come in the FA Cup – where we’ll look to go one better that last season – or the Carabao Cup, which Mourinho has always had a lot of success in. I would be more than happy with a top 3 league finish and a cup win, I think that’s realistic and a good season.

What do you think the score will be on Sunday?

United are very hard to predict – we can be brilliant one week, bang average the next. The Amex is a difficult trip and Brighton cannot be ruled out. Under Mourinho, we’ve struggled at times against the so called ‘lesser’ sides, so this is tough to call. I’m fond of Brighton and wish them luck for the season (after Sunday of course), so I’m going to sit on the fence and go down the middle. I actually think the Albion will nick something from this, so I’m going for the safe option of a draw. 1-1.

*** You can read Jamie’s articles on Manchester United here:  https://strettynews.com/author/jamie-spoor/.

Brighton before: Watford (A)

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Here we go again. For the next nine months we will feel a roller-coaster of emotions whilst following Brighton and Hove Albion through their second successive season in the Premier League.

The Seagulls begin their 2018/19 campaign in Hertfordshire against Watford and many will recall our last visit to Vicarage Road, where Miguel Britos chopped down Anthony Knockaert and was deservedly sent off during the 0-0 stalemate.

Watford fans are quietly optimistic that this season will be an improvement on the last, and you can read what one Hornet’s fan said to me about their season’s chances here.

But here are my own personal thoughts on Saturday’s match in this first match preview of the season.

It’s opening day, but it’s important we bring something back to Sussex. 

Brighton’s season will not be decided by the events that take place on the pitch at Vicarage Road. They won’t be guaranteed survival if they win, nor will they be doomed for relegation should they lose.

However it is important Chris Hughton’s team bring something back with them to Sussex. It might be opening day, but this is a fixture many would have highlighted as one the Seagulls should aim to win or at least draw.

It’s also worth noting that following their trip to the Hornets, Brighton face four of the top six within the next six matchdays. Manchester United visit the Amex next weekend, before Albion make the long trip up to Anfield and take on a Liverpool side that many predict will be Manchester City’s closest rivals for the title.

With Tottenham and Manchester City to play in September, it is imperative that Brighton take as many points as possible from the games against the smaller sides, starting with Watford.

New signings will get their chances to shine, but it will probably be from the bench. 

Fans will be discussing how the team will line-up right up until 2pm on Saturday afternoon. How many of the new signings will start? Which formation will Hughton use?

Personally, I don’t see him doing too much tinkering. I know in a previous post I suggested a change in formation to free up the opportunity to start Yves Bissouma, Davy Propper and Dale Stephens, but I doubt that will happen.

This is a huge opportunity to get some points on the board early and although the Club has spent over £60m strengthening the squad, it is only Bernardo that starts for me. Hughton will stick with the players that did so well last season in keeping Albion in the league. They now have a season worth of experience to their advantage, which could help see away form improve this year.

I would guess that we will probably get to see Alireza Jahanbakhsh and Bissouma both come off the bench and get their chance to shine with 20-30 minutes to go, if required.

Watford could be dangerous on the offensive, but their big stars may still be rusty. 

Watford have some good talent within their ranks. Their main man last season, Abdoulaye Doucouré, has recently signed a new long-term deal to remain with the Hornets. Gerard Deulofeu, Roberto Pereyra, Andre Gray and captain Troy Deeney are all also capable of winning any game for Javi Gracia’s men.

Another huge talent is Will Hughes. The former Derby midfielder is known to pull the strings in the middle of the park and could be the one that causes the Seagulls’ defence the most problems.

However not all of them have featured in pre-season. Rustiness could be a factor towards the end of the game, which could play into Brighton’s hands.

Knockaert will be fired up after last season’s encounter. 

Now with bleached blonde hair, AK seems to have picked up where he left off towards the end of last season.

The winger was immense against United at the Amex, and was the best player on the pitch during Brighton’s 2-1 win over Nantes last week.

Following the Britos incident last August, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Frenchman fired up for this game from the outset.

This will be a tight, cagey affair and it may take just a single moment of magic to separate the two sides. Knockaert has the tools at his disposal to produce said magic, and if the little magician plays as well as the supporters all know he can, then he could be the one that makes the difference.

A win would be an early sign of intent towards Brighton’s rivals. 

As mentioned above, it’s crucial we play for the win on Saturday and try and get something from the game.

The mood from the camp looks calm and focused from the outside, but I’m certain the players understand how important it is to get off to a good start.

Victory away from home would be an early sign of intent to Brighton’s rivals. Every point picked up on the road in the top flight is a precious one. It is never easy to get something on your travels, and if Brighton were to get that first away point so soon, it will calm the nerves for the team and supporters.

But if they can be three points ahead of a team also fighting for an 11th-17th placed finish, that will provide the players with an early safety cushion. Last season, Brighton only flirted with the relegation spots – they were never in the bottom three for long periods of time, unlike Crystal Palace or Swansea City. Hopefully it will be a similar outcome this time around.

PREDICTION:

I can see the opening few minutes being quite cagey. There may not be many chances in the game, but I think Brighton will score and finish the stronger of the two sides. You can never rule Watford out with the attacking threat though, so I’ll say a draw.

Watford 1-1 Brighton and Hove Albion.

Opposition in focus: Watford (A)

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Brighton and Hove Albion begin their second season in the Premier League away to Watford on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 15:00).

The Seagulls drew 0-0 at Vicarage Road last season – a fixture which Albion fans will fondly remember after Miguel Britos’ moment of madness led to a dangerous lunge on Anthony Knockaert and subsequent red card. Pascal Groß’s 64th minute strike earned Brighton a 1-0 victory in their last encounter at the Amex back in December.

Watford finished a place and a point ahead of Albion in the table back in May, but some suggest that their top flight status is under serious threat this season.

They have been notoriously quick out of the blocks during a league campaign, accumulating the majority of points needed for survival before Christmas. They are also notorious for seeing their form jump out of the window, and the Club consequently drop from European contenders to Premier League survivalists. Some predict that the contrasting form and constant managerial changes will eventually catch up with them, whilst others believe that they will be in for a fully fledged relegation battle this season.

Watford supporter Adam Rowe explains how the Hornets could surprise a few this season, should they can keep their key players fit.

How have Watford fared in pre-season?

“Results wise it’s been a very successful pre-season for us. We have gone throughout the whole summer unbeaten, however key players such as Abdoulaye Doucoure, Nathaniel Chalobah and Gerard Deulofeu have yet to feature due to injury, which is a cause for concern.”

How would you rate the Hornet’s transfer window? Have any new signings impressed? What are your views on Richarlison’s big-money move to Everton? 

“The biggest signing of our window has been the contract extension of Doucoure, he is a massive player for us. The permanent signing of Gerard Deulofeu is pleasing too, he showed in glimpses how valuable he could be to us before he got injured.

“Although it’s disappointing that Richarlison departed (particularly because he’s going to join Marco Silva), it’s a huge fee that the club were never going to turn down. He didn’t make the starting-11 for large parts of the second half of last season so I’m pretty confident we will be okay without him.”

Javi Gracia has been in charge for a while now, has he implemented a new style that the fans are happy with?

“Javi Gracia has certainly divided opinion amongst Watford fans. He is most definitely a nice guy and based on personality he is well liked. However, his playing style in the second half of last season was somewhat negative and we eventually crawled over the line in terms of survival.

“But he did what he was brought into do, which was to keep us in the league. We are yet to score a goal away from home under Gracia and have only picked up a solitary away point. That away form has got to change or I feel fans could soon be on his back. In my view I think now he has had pre-season he can be better judged.”

Who would you say are the danger men Brighton should watch out for?

“Will Hughes has been nothing short of superb when he’s been fit. He is a match winner for us and makes the team tick through his creativity. Another is Roberto Pereyra – he finished the season in very good form so again if he is on song then he can be a real threat. Then there is the obvious one in Doucoure, our player of the season last year and a firm fan favourite, when he plays well Watford tend to.”

What are your opinions on Brighton’s heavy spending this summer and how do you think the Seagulls will do this season?

“I think Brighton will probably replicate what they did last season in terms of the main aim has to be survival first and then trying to finish as high up as possible. You guys have certainly brought in some reinforcements, which I think is key to your chances of survival. The second season always tends to be harder than the first so it was key that you freshened up the squad. The Seagulls have a top manager in Chris Hughton and I think you’ll stay up again this season.”

Are there any Brighton players that you feel Watford need to keep an eye on? Do
you expect to see another Britos v Knockaert battle?

We have signed a new left back over the summer, Adam Masina and from what I have seen of him I have been impressed. He is probably much more suited to dealing with Knockaert. I am sure Knockaert will be subject to his usual pantomime abuse. Personally I think he is a massive player for the Seagulls and always tends to play pretty well against us.

Where do you think Watford will end up this season?

If we keep the squad fit, I think we can honestly challenge to come in the top half of the table. However if we have the injury record we have had in the last two seasons then I fear for us this season. Signing a striker before the deadline would certainly bolster our chances of a successful season. On the whole I think it’s another season of finishing in mid-table.

Finally, what do you think the score will be on Saturday?

I will always back us at home so I will go with a tight 2-1 Hornets win.

**You can follow Adam on Twitter (@adzrowe) and read his own blog here: https://adamrowefootball.blogspot.com/.

 

 

Brighton target Yves Bissouma would help unlock their attacking pedigree.

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The 21-year-old midfielder has been linked with a move to the Premier League over the last few days, and he could be the signing that makes Chris Hughton’s team one to watch in 2018/19.

Brighton and Hove Albion are reportedly closing in on Lille midfielder Yves Bissouma.

The Ligue 1 club want £17.5m for their man’s services, and the 21-year-old looks set to reject Portuguese giants Porto in favour of a move to the Amex stadium, should the Seagulls cough up the money.

Many Albion fans will agree that the Club has been very shrewd in the transfer market this summer – but this big money deal could well be the star signing that makes the Seagulls one of the teams to watch out for in 2018/19. Bissouma would not only bolster the centre of Brighton’s midfield, but also help unlock their attacking pedigree.

The central midfielder broke into the first team at Lille two years ago and made 30 appearances for Les Dogues last season. He has already got 15 international caps for Mali and has scored three goals for his country.

According to whoscored.com, Bissouma recorded his best stats playing as a defensive midfielder – with a rating of 7.62. Should he take up a defensive role within the Albion line-up, it would enable Dale Stephens or Davy Propper to take up a more attacking position next season.

Propper has been used as a number 10 in the Dutch national team, and could now look to support Pascal Gross further up the pitch when the side are threatening in the final third.

Bissouma would hopefully help improve the team’s away record next season, which is one of the aims I’m sure Chris Hughton has for the upcoming campaign.

Brighton finished bottom of the away form table in 2017-18, registering just two wins (against West Ham United and Swansea City) and 11 points away from the Amex. Bissouma would add that extra protection for the backline. His physical presence, with Shane Duffy and Lewis Dunk behind him, could provide Brighton with a strong defensive spine that enables them to build a more offensive team around them.

It’s not clear yet how Hughton plans to set his side up next season – with plenty of forward options to choose from: Glenn Murray, Jurgen Locadia, Florin Andone, Tomer Hemed and Sam Baldock.

He could go 5-3-2, with Gross and either Stephens, Propper or Beram Kayal pushing forward to support the two strikers. Jose Izquierdo, Solly March, Bernardo and Bruno could all play as wing backs, leaving Dunk, Duffy and Balogun as a solid back three.

I very much doubt he will continue to use the relatively successful 4-4-1-1 formation which he used predominantly last season, considering who has joined the club since last August.

We must remember that the Bissouma deal hasn’t been finalised yet, but should it happen, Albion fans should get very excited for the season ahead.

The events that took place during West Ham United’s heavy defeat to Burnley showed that the atmosphere around the club has now gone beyond toxic.

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Two seasons ago West Ham United finished seventh in the Premier League and qualified for Europe under the guidance of Slaven Bilic, in what was their final campaign at the infamous Upton Park. 

There was a sense of optimism in and around the club during the summer of 2016 ahead of their move to the Olympic Stadium. The directors and supporters both felt that this was the beginning of a historical period for the Hammers – visioning a team containing a plethora of talent that would challenge in and around the top six.

Fast forward 24 months and Bilic has now gone – replaced by an uninspiring David Moyes, with the club languishing dangerously above the relegation places.

A lack of incomings in the January transfer window, a ever-extending list of injuries and players severely underperforming have all played a part in the team’s dismal form of late.

The Hammers have won just one of their last seven league matches, been knocked out of the FA Cup by League One side Wigan Athletic, and have conceded 11 goals in their last three outings.

So for some, yesterday’s 3-0 heavy home defeat to Burnley was the final straw.

Some dissatisfied fans ran onto the pitch, whilst others headed towards the directors box to voice their discontent. Joint chairman David Sullivan is said to have been hit by a coin thrown by an angry fan, whilst team captain Mark Noble got caught up in an unpleasant tussle on the half-way line with another.

These unsavoury actions confirmed that the atmosphere in and around West Ham has gone beyond toxic.

Whilst I understand fans wanting to voice their opinions and wanting to protest against how their club is being run, yesterday crossed a line. The havoc that occurred will have done nothing to stop the team from sleepwalking towards the trapdoor.

West Ham’s record at London Stadium since moving to their new home has been appalling to say the least, but the players need their fans to stick by them on a matchday, not riot both on and off the pitch.

You could hear it in Noble’s post-match interview that the crowd trouble had a terrible effect on them. Why would anyone want to play in claret and blue when the stadium suddenly becomes a war zone after the team concede a goal.

Credit must go to Burnley. Their staff and players allowed young home supporters to sit on their bench, away from the chaos. What were West Ham’s bench doing at that time? Twitching their thumbs and wondering how it had all come down to this.

The Football Association have condemned the crowd disturbances and have said they will be in close contact with the club to make sure that similar events never reoccur.

Could the Hammers be forced to play their home matches behind closed doors? Potentially.  That would be something nobody associated with West Ham wants, and something that could further hinder any chance of them retaining their top flight status.

Moyes’ men face a crucial six-pointer against fellow strugglers Southampton in three weeks’ time at London Stadium. During these next 20 days or so, everything has to be done to make sure nothing like we saw against Burnley resurfaces.

It was a day where the home supporters had initially gathered to commemorate the life of club legend and World Cup winner Bobby Moore before kick-off. But by full-time a dark mist had quickly descended in and around the stadium.

I wonder what the late great Moore would have thought of yesterday’s events?

Dreams of playing the likes of Milan, Madrid and Lyon on big European nights are now long gone, and instead replaced by thoughts of travelling to the likes of Middlesbrough, Millwall and Barnsley in the Championship. This is quickly becoming a realistic future for West Ham United, should nothing radically change both on and off the field.

BHAFC: What will new signing Izzy Brown bring to Brighton’s attacking threat?

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The 20-year old joins on a season-long loan from Chelsea. 

Brighton and Hove Albion completed the signing of young Chelsea forward Izzy Brown on a season-long loan this afternoon.

The 20-year old impressed whilst on loan at both Rotherham United and Huddersfield Town last season.

Brown has no doubt proved his worth in the Championship, and now has the chance to shine in the Premier League with the Seagulls.

But what exactly does the youngster bring to Chris Hughton’s team?

Technically, Brown is very good with the ball at his feet. He enjoys to dribble past players and can be very difficult to stop once he is in full flow.

He’s the dynamic player some Brighton fans have been crying out for. He always wants to go forward with the ball- similarly to Anthony Knockaert.

The two of them could form a formidable partnership once the Frenchman recovers from the ankle injury he sustained in the win over Fortuna Düsseldorf earlier this month.

As well as his dribbling ability, Brown also has a habit of scoring big goals. His five for Huddersfield last season proved crucial as they won promotion to the top flight. Hopefully he will get a few more this campaign, as Brighton look to avoid relegation in their first season back in England’s top division since 1983.

With an ever-ageing squad, Brown brings some young, youthful energy which the front line so desperately needs.

With Sam Baldock out injured, Tomer Hemed (30) and Glenn Murray (33) are the only fit out-and-out strikers currently at the Amex. Both are quite similar players- they are physical and very good in the air.

Brown will bring some much needed pace and technical ability that will bring a different attacking threat. Defenders will not have such an easy time with the England Under-21 international on the pitch.

The 20-year old is set to feature in the Seagulls’ third pre-season match of the summer against Southend United tonight.

Brown joins Pascal groß, Mat Ryan and Markus Suttner through the Amex doors this summer, but there could still be more business to be done before the window slams shut.

 

BHAFC: Mathew Ryan signs as Albion begin to show they mean business in the transfer window.

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The Australian goalkeeper has put pen to paper on a five-year deal. 

Brighton and Hove Albion have confirmed the signing of Australian goalkeeper Mat Ryan from Valencia for a club-record fee.

The 25-year old has signed a five-year deal with the Seagulls, and will join up with his new teammates after the Confederations Cup.

Ryan, who has been capped 32 times by his country, impressed whilst on loan at Genk last season.

There is no doubt he will add much-needed experience to the dressing room. The goalkeeper has a lot of top-flight football under his belt, having played in the Australian, Belgian and Spanish first division. He has also played in European competition.

Ryan’s CV reads many individual and team accolades, which include a Belgian Cup, Belgian Pro League Goalkeeper of the Year 2014 and 2015 and an AFC Asian Cup win with the Socceroos in 2015.

The Australian signed a six-year deal with Valencia two years ago, but failed to secure a spot in the team. He won’t have to worry about that at the Amex, as he will without doubt be the new Albion no.1- especially following David Stockdale’s exit earlier in the week.

The transfer fee hasn’t been published, although we have been told it is a club-record fee. Whispers on social media state the figure to be around the £5m mark, although with four years left on his contract that number strikes a bit too low for my liking.

Saying that, this could be the start of a positive summer for the Seagulls, ahead of their debut season in the Premier League.

One would hope that Brighton’s club-record fee will be broken again (maybe more than once) before the window closes. If the club want to secure a striker who will guarantee goals, or a centre back who will command the penalty area, surely they would cost more than £5m?

You’ve only got to look at other clubs in the league and how much money they are spending on transfers. Leicester City have spent almost £20m on Harry Maguire, whilst Everton splashed £57m yesterday on both Jordan Pickford and Davy Klaassen!

It’s hard to tell until we see Ryan in the Premier League if we got him on the cheap, but if he is just as good as the former Sunderland stopper, a player who cost six times as much, then we can all have a little chuckle to ourselves.

But this shows Brighton’s intent. The club are willing to break their transfer record to bring in the players that they believe will help the team avoid relegation. Chris Hughton has signed two exciting players in Pascal Groß and Ryan, who could become Albion heroes should the club retain their Premier League status.

We should expect more signings in the coming weeks, and following the two deals the club have secured so far, I can’t wait to see who the next person to walk through the Amex doors will be.

BHAFC: Ahmed Musa and Simon Kjaer the latest linked with a move to the Amex this summer.

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Transfer rumours are beginning to intensify two days before the release of the 2017/18 Premier League fixtures. 

Brighton and Hove Albion are slowly preparing their squad ahead of the new Premier League season.

The Seagulls, who will be making their first appearance in England’s top flight since 1983, have already secured German midfielder Pascal Groß and are reportedly close to agreeing a deal with Valencia for Australian goalkeeper Mat Ryan.

Now Chris Hughton’s side are looking to bring in both a forward and defender, with two players linked with a move to the Amex today.

Leicester’s Ahmed Musa, who only joined the Foxes last summer for £16m, is apparently in talks with Brighton and West Brom, according to his agent.

Musa, who only netted four goals in 32 appearances during his debut season in England, wants to remain in England despite offers from abroad.

The 24-year-old would more than likely start more games on the south coast than he did at the King Power last season (7), especially as he brings a different offensive style to the table.

One of his biggest assets is his raw pace. Where Glenn Murray is more of a threat in the air, Musa would be the striker making the runs in behind the defenders. It has the potential to be a dynamic partnership.

That is if Hughton sticks with his 4-4-2. He had mentioned towards the end of last season that would like to mix it up this campaign, with the 4-4-1-1 formation being one of those he wants to try and implement on the team.

Groß is a player capable of playing in that no.10 role behind the striker, but could Musa do a job there? He has the pace to play up alongside whoever starts up top (Murray or Hemed would be the best bet at the moment), but would the Nigerian track back and defend when needed?

Due to their similarities, it would be unlikely we would see both Musa and Sam Baldock in the same side. Baldock was one of our best players last season when he wasn’t injured, and if anything, we missed a Baldock-type player when he was sidelined. Therefore, having both in the squad wouldn’t be a bad thing.

Danish international defender Simon Kjær is the other man linked with a move to the Amex.

The Fenerbahce player is a transfer target for Liverpool, but the Seagulls are set to make a £7.5m bid imminently.

Kjær, has 59 caps to his name, and would provide competition for Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy at the heart of Brighton’s defence.

He has two years remaining on his contract and is reported to be well settled in Istanbul. Fenerbahce also value their man at £15m, which could prove a stumbling block.

The 28-year old centre back would be a major coup for the newly promoted side should they steal him away from the clutches of both Liverpool and AC Milan- two clubs also interested in Kjær’s services.

Dunk and Duffy formed a solid partnership last season, but with a lack of top flight experience and the likes of Conor Goldson slowly returning back to full fitness, the need for a new centre back has become a priority.

It will be interesting to see whether both transfers materialise into anything. Both ARE just rumours at the moment, and whilst it will be good to see both in an Albion shirt, there is a long way to go before that could happen.

 

MLS Daily: Kenwyne Jones should step in for injured Josef Martinez at Atlanta United.

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The former Sunderland and Stoke City striker has been waiting for his golden opportunity. 

Atlanta United were dealt a blow in midweek, after Josef Martinez went off injured while on International duty with Venezuela.

The in-form forward is top of the goalscoring charts in the MlS this season with five goals in just three games.

Martinez came off after falling when taking a shot, and Venezuela’s Head Coach Rafael Dudamel has suggested a minimum of 10 days rest for the player to recover. He will have a MRI scan tomorrow to determine the severity of this injury.

If 10 days proves to be an accurate assessment, that will mean the 23-year old will be more than likely to miss Atlanta’s match against Seattle Sounders next week.

However, Head Coach Tito Martina has got other weapons within his arsenal, one of which is the vastly experienced Kenwyne Jones.

The Trinidad and Tobago captain has a wealth of Premier League experience after spending a decade in and around England’s top flight with Southampton, Stoke City, Sunderland and Cardiff City respectively.

Jones may not be the most prolific of strikers, but he does cause defenders enormous problems with his strength and aerial power.

He is a completely different type of striker in comparison to Martinez. Jones isn’t the fastest, and at 32 years of age, that isn’t going to change anytime soon.

He also isn’t as potent as the Venezuelan. In the last 10 seasons, the Trinidad international has only hit double digits twice in terms of goals scored. The last time being the 2014-15 season for Cardiff.

But his positioning, especially inside the penalty box, is excellent. He will often find himself in the right place at the right time when the ball is flirting around the oppositions goal. It’s a trait that is very difficult to teach.

He may not score bucket loads of goals, but he scores important ones.

The 32-year old’s hold up play and ability to start counter attacks almost goes unnoticed. He is an excellent team player, who can head the ball on from a goal kick or throw-in to create an opportunity for a teammate to test the keeper or even score.

Martinez has shown plenty of promise so far for the new MLS side, but there is no reason why Jones can’t either. He has been waiting in the shadows at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium for his chance to prove his worth to the manager, the fans and the city.

Whether he fits into Martina’s formation and tactics is another matter, but one that can’t be discussed without the Argentine giving him a go.

Perhaps he will use an alternative formation which would make Jones’ a greater asset. A switch from 4-2-3-1 to a 4-4-2 might suit the Trinidad striker better. He could get isolated on his own up top so a strike partner that would run onto his flick ons or run down the channels to provide crosses for the 32-year-old wouldn’t be such a bad idea.

It’s whether Martina takes a gamble on changing what is a winning formation.

Many in Atlanta will hope Martinez will be fit in time for the Sounders match, but they shouldn’t worry too much if it is Jones starting at CenturyLink Field.

MLS Daily: Getting rid of financial regulations wouldn’t necessarily make the MLS more competitive.

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New York City FC midfielder Andrea Pirlo has called for the MLS salary cap to be scrapped in order for the league to compete with China’s top division. 

After the financial collapse of the North American Soccer League (NASL) in the 1980s, the MLS developed a system so that the same fate couldn’t be repeated- but it could cost them the ability to attract the world’s best players.

The rise of the Chinese Super League has escalated over the last couple of years- with teams spending enormous amounts of money to buy some of the highest quality footballers on the planet. Hulk, Oscar, Axel Witsel and Carlos Tevez are just a few of the players currently plying their trade in Asia on mega-buck contracts.

In comparison, the MLS have integrated a system in which clubs can only sign a maximum of three designated players, who can earn above the salary cap thats set across the league.

37-year old Pirlo told Gazzetta dello Sport: “The league needs to get rid of any restrictions on transfers and end the rule which allows only three so-called designated players to earn big money beyond each team’s set budget if it wants to compete.

“I’ve seen improvements and from what I have seen in friendly games and the first two rounds of the regular season. The quality has risen a lot.

“But certainly I would get rid of the restrictions on the transfer market. Enough with the three exceptions to the salary cap, which is too little to convince other stars to come here. They need to develop a liberal system where you can buy and sell players without restrictions.

“Now there is even the competition from China. If you want to compete with other leagues, at home and abroad, you have got to get rid of any restrictions.”

Pirlo, along with David Villa, are two of the three designated players currently on the books at Yankee Stadium.

Other notable names on designated contracts include Orlando city captain Kaka, Toronto’s Sebastian Giovinco, as well as LA Galaxy trio Jelle Van Damme, Giovani Dos Santos and Romain Alessandrini.

David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Thierry Henry and Didier Drogba have all been previously on designated player contracts.

The major problem for the MLS is that players have only considered moving to the states as a last big payday. Most players listed above joined their retrospective clubs when they were in their 30s.

The restrictions on contracts and transfer sums means that players aren’t ready to join a league that isn’t as competitive as the Premier League, Serie A, La Liga and the Bundesliga when they are at their peak.

A shift in the rulebook could help the teams compete with the Chinese Super League, but it would definitely hamper certain clubs chances of success.

Even if the restrictions were lifted, not all MLS clubs have mega budgets they could use to sign quality players. Like some leagues in Europe, we would probably see three or four clubs competing for the MLS Cup every year, which could drive away certain fans.

At the same time, fans do want to see the world’s best players. Rumours are going round suggesting that LA Galaxy are preparing to offer Zlatan Ibrahimovic a deal to come over to the MLS- a deal which would excite the country let alone LA.

But you couldn’t imagine other clubs, say the San Jose Earthquakes or Sporting KC offering the same deal to the 35-year old Swedish captain. Only a handful of teams could, and that is why the salary cap is worthy of being in place. It makes the league fairer for the smaller budgeted sides.

The quality of the American top flight is forever growing stronger, and when it is at a standard where most if not all players would be worthy of designated player contracts, then we could see a change in the rules.

China may have the money, but it will take time to integrate better footballing standards in the country. Look at the English clubs spending big, like Manchester United. They are still nowhere near winning the Premier League title. Liverpool also have spent a heap of cash and look like possibly missing out on Champions League football.

Leicester City won the Premier League last year, and had one of the smallest budgets in the division.

Money isn’t everything. It may bring the stars, but it doesn’t necessarily bring better standards and excitement. The MLS this year is as competitive as ever, and it’s only going to get better.