Brighton & Hove Albion are considering a move for Alaves defender Zou Feddal. The Moroccan centre-back has a paltry £2.6m release clause in his contract and has attracted serious interests from a host of clubs.
The newly promoted club has been in the search of a defender in the transfer market for long and has recently signed Markus Suttner from German side Ingolstadt. But Chris Hughton has prioritised the signing of another defender as the Seagulls launch their Premier League campaign in a month’s time.
Feddal has an impressive height, standing at 6’3″ and would be perfectly suited for the physical battle in the Premier League. The defence has been solidified by the arrival of Suttner but the lack of an experienced defender in the side could be a hindrance next season for the Championship side.
Brighton’s chances are fading away gradually as Southampton have also stepped up their interest in the player. Feddal has been at the peak of his career at the Spanish club and present Southampton coach Mauricio Pellegrino was the main man behind his instrumental success.
He is a very late bloomer and his excellent defensive skills have also attracted interests from Newcastle United. After roping in Florian Lejeune, Benitez is keeping a tab on the player but is yet to launch a formal bid.
Feddal is mainly left footed, can also play as a left back and a defensive midfielder. He has a meagre £2.6m release clause in his contract which has made the situation very interesting.
Brighton so far had a pretty hectic transfer window and a few more signings will give them the necessary balance in the Premier League. The Seagulls heavily impressed throughout their last season and Hughton is adamant to create that same impact next season.
Feddal’s positional sense is brilliant and has complimented with a dominating aerial ability. He started 27 games last season for Alaves and gave a very solid performance as the Spanish side finished in a very strong ninth position.
Add to that his wage demand, which is within Brighton’s range, as players in La Liga gets paid much lesser than that of the Premier League, making him an attractive option. La Liga side Valencia and Real Betis are also in the loop for him so Brighton have to act fast.
Feddal might be very enthusiastic about a potential reunion with Pellegrino at the St Mary’s but if Hughton can convince him about his upcoming project there is a quite heavy chance that the defender might be the next entrant at Brighton.
