A Look at Our Recent Transfer Moves

Its been a relatively busy off season for Brighton, with new players being signed, some returning from loan, and others going out.

Signings

Adam Lallana- The former Champions League winner, PL winner, and England international (34 caps). He is best known for his 6-year spell at Liverpool, where he won his major accolades. However, in the last two seasons, he has only featured occasionally for the Reds. 

This move will likely allow him to have more game time. For the Albion, he provides experience and leadership, which will be in need due to Glenn Murray departing. He signed on July 27, 2020, on a three-year contract (free transfer).

Joel Veltman- Signed from Ajax. As we know all too well (looking at you, Locadia), a move from the Eredivise to the Premier League is a big step. His experience in the Champions League will benefit him greatly. Veltman won the title with Ajax on three occasions. His contract is for three years.

A striker- wait, no, we haven't signed one yet. Its probably in the Albion's best interest to sign one, because Maupay and Connolly constantly draw fouls, and could be injured. If both have to miss out, we would be without a true center-forward. A number of names have circled in the past few weeks, but there hasn't been a clear player of interest. 

Returning from Loan

Ben White- The star of the Championship, and of his loan club- Leeds United. He was a major part of their defensive success, and led them to promotion. His ability on the ball is one that Potter undoubtedly loves, and will likely earn him a starting spot in the back three this season.

Matt Clarke- He also enjoyed a successful campaign in the Championship, with Derby County.  However, with the center-back places locked up at Brighton, Clarke decided to return on loan for another season (again to Derby).

Christian Walton- Signed in 2013, Walton has since made 6 loan spells. His most recent was with Blackburn Rovers, where he started for all 46 matches. His return is seen as a chance to provide some competition to Mat Ryan. However, in his first appearance (the friendly with Chelsea), he suffered an injury after a bad landing. 

Departing on Loan

Shane Duffy- Fan's player of the year in Brighton's second season, Duffy was a favourite in the locker room and among the fan base. He was a big part of the promotion squad, pairing with Lewis Dunk to form a strong central defensive partnership. His aerial ability was unmatched, and regularly won over 15-20 headers per game. 

The Irishman also enjoyed success on the attacking half of the pitch, scoring 8 goals in four seasons. His contribution to the squad was immense, and will be missed. He is going on a season-long loan to Celtic.

Glenn Murray- Even bigger a servant for the Albion than Duffy is our #17. Murray had two storied runs with Brighton, and a controversial spell with Palace sandwiched in between. His second spell resulted in goal after goal in the Championship, and eventually led to promotion. 

Murray was a mainstay of Chris Hughton's lineup, despite competition from Florin Andone and Jurgen Locadia. This was due to the fact that he was consistent from close range, whether it be a header or a tap-in. He scored 12 in our first season in the top-flight, and 13 the next. 

He only scored one goal last season, as Potter's new style of play did not cater to the service he required. Instead of early crosses in the box, Potter emphasized patient build-up. His season-long loan is at Watford, where he can surely tear up the Championship once more.

Permanent Move

Martin Montoya- The former Barcelona man was signed by Hughton after Bruno's retirement became imminent. He started many of the games early on this season, but faced competition from Schelotto, and then Lamptey. 

Potter seemed keen to replace him, likely due to his occasionally poor decision-making. He also would get forward often, leaving gaps in space that Webster would have to cover. Lamptey provided a quicker option that could cover more ground and get forward with less risk. Seeing that he wouldn't feature as much, he decided to return to La Liga for Real Betis.

Ezequiel Schelotto- El Galgo was released at the end of the 2019-20 season, failing to prove to Potter that he can get a contract extension. Injury was not kind to him either, but he managed to fight his way through this season and provide some unforgettable moments. 

He came on as a sub in the 3-2 thriller vs Everton, and provided solid performances at West Ham and Sheffield United. His best moment, though, was when he chucked a ball at Wilfried Zaha in our 1-0 defeat vs Crystal Palace. Schelotto then imitated a crying gesture at Zaha, a moment many Albion fans wont soon forget.

Aaron Mooy- After signing a permanent contract with the Albion, Mooy made a sudden move to Shanghai SIPG. The reason for this move is unexplained. However, it could have been due to personal reasons. Many fans said that Mooy moved to China only for the financial benefits. 

Do you think we will make any more moves before the season begins? Leave a comment below.