Don deal,After many years of waiting, the Brighton FC have welcomed another key player that they have been waiting for so long.
A Celebration reflection of their summer window is that when Roberto De Zerbi’s team visits Old Trafford on Saturday, United won’t be the overwhelming favorites.
Erik ten Hag is under increasing pressure as the new Premier League season has only four games remaining. In addition to winning the Carabao Cup and qualifying for the Champions League again after finishing third in the Premier League 2022–23, Manchester United’s Dutch coach earned plaudits for bringing about real progress in his first season in charge.
But even after spending an additional £200 million ($250 million) on acquisitions in the summer, United doesn’t seem to have advanced. Despite their impressive home victories over Wolves and Nottingham Forest, they have yet to convince detractors that they have any chance of mounting a serious title push. Their road difficulties have persisted, as they have already suffered crushing losses to Tottenham and Arsenal.
Brighton, on the other hand, appear poised to be the 2023–24 season’s unexpected standout. Despite losing a few key players, Roberto De Zerbi’s team managed to secure nine out of a potential twelve points and once again dazzled spectators with their flowing, attack-oriented approach.
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Because of the excellent work the Seagulls have done over several transfer windows, it wouldn’t be shocking if they caused more suffering for United this Saturday at Old Trafford. They continue to disgrace their competitors with their astute business practices, and they are total opposites of their weekend hosts in the market.
Chelsea, Moises Caicedo, 2023–24Getty Photographs
unwillingness to make concessions
Brighton signed De Zerbi in September to replace Graham Potter, and the team raced to their best-ever Premier League finish last season (sixth). They were rewarded with a first-ever Europa League qualification for the team as well as widespread recognition for upending the status quo at the top of English football.
But during the summer transfer window, their greatest players were unavoidably sought. There is a significant gap in the midfield as a result of the sales of Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister to Chelsea and Liverpool, respectively. Crucially, though, Brighton remained firm in their assessment of both players throughout the sale process.
Mac Allister is an Argentine playmaker, and Liverpool acted quickly to activate his £35 million ($44 million) release clause. Although Brighton included the release clause when they signed Mac Allister to a contract extension before the 2022 World Cup, that price was clearly a coup for the Reds. The midfielder’s previous contract was set to expire in June of this year, but the Seagulls made preparations to make sure he wouldn’t go away empty-handed.
In the end, Brighton received a respectable price for Mac Allister and showed even more wisdom in handling Caicedo’s predicament. In July, Chelsea put out a £70 million ($88 million) opening offer for the Ecuadorian, but it was turned down right away. Additionally, the Seagulls rejected an improved bid of £80 million ($100 million) from the Blues, indicating that they would only accept a price of £100 million ($125 million) for their valuable player. Brighton was just too strong to be intimidated into a hasty sale.
On August 15, the deal finally went through, with Chelsea paying an incredible £115 million ($144 million) (with add-ons) for Caicedo’s talents, breaking the British transfer record established by Arsenal earlier in the year when they signed Declan Rice. Despite losing two important players, Brighton still had more than enough players in the pool to strengthen their team.
