Newly promoted side Brighton & Hove Albion are reportedly one of the prime suitors for Ligue 2’s latest sensation Ferland Mendy, as Chris Hughton continues beefing up his defence with the aim of surviving in the Premier League next season.
Unlike their fierce Championship rival Newcastle United, who were the second one to gain promotion in the Premier League despite winning the Championship last season, the Seagulls don’t have enormous masses of wealth to splurge in the summer transfer market. Hughton will have a restrained war chest to get the players he requires before next season starts and they have already made a brilliant move in getting Bundesliga side Ingolstadt’s midfielder Pascal Gross.
The former Championship side hasn’t seen themselves getting linked with many players either unlike the Magpies. Hence, their link up with Mendy makes the 22-year-old an interesting prospect. Like most newly promoted sides in the Premier League, Hughton too would primary look to solidify his defence to have a chance against top sides.
Despite not having one of the best back lines in the second-tier league, Brighton have conceded only 40 goals last season, equal to Newcastle United. West Bromwich loanee Sébastien Pocognoli did play a long part in Brighton’s campaign last season and the German’s return means Hughton is only left with Gaëtan Bong in the left back’s role. And getting in Mendy could be a brilliant addition given the popularity he is enjoying in France now.
At just 21, the Frenchman is a hot prospect among most Ligue 1 clubs in France. With Monaco’s Benjamin Mendy in danger of leaving the club for a Premier League side, Leonardo Jardim has reportedly identified Ferland as an ideal replacement.
And given that his current club Le Havre has valued him at only £7 million with just one more year left on the player’s contract, this summer might be his last one in Ligue 2. Apart from Monaco, French giants like Marseille and Lyon are also tracking him. As for Brighton, they are competing with Premier League sides Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion, and Championship side Birmingham City to get him.
Ferland Mendy has been a regular for La Havre last season scoring twice and registering five assists in 38 games. Since breaking into their first team in 2015, he has established himself as a first team player now. However, his impressive displays are yet to fetch him a national call-up that would ideally need playing the top leagues.
