Brighton & Hove Albion have suffered a major setback in their pursuit of Nantes defender Batista Mendy this summer. According to recent reports, the French youngster has declined an opportunity to join the Seagulls at the end of the season. It is believed that Chris Hughton’s side agreed on a fee with the Ligue 1 team over the possible transfer of Mendy in the summer but the player has decided to opt against a switch to the Premier League in order to continue with his development in French football.
It would have been a major coup for the Seagulls as a whole of clubs which include Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Real Madrid were looking to secure the French teenager’s signature. However, recent sources have suggested that the youngster wants to pen his first professional contract with Nantes with the French club willing to match the salary offered by the Seagulls in order to retain his talents.
With Brighton set to miss out on Mendy, let’s take a look at three alternative options for the Seagulls to consider in the off-season.
Dayot Upamecano
The 19-year-old has caught the eye with some solid displays for RB Leipzig during the course of this campaign. The French teenager has featured in 35 matches for the Bundesliga side in this campaign and has one goal to his name. At a mere age of 19, he has managed to attain a wealth of experience in German football and can be considered as one of the most promising players in European football. The Seagulls will do well to acquire his talents as Upamecano has the potential to be a future Premier League star if given the opportunity to showcase his skills in English football.
Issa Diop
The 21-year-old is currently plying his trade in Ligue 1 and has put in some sensational displays for FC Toulouse this term. Diop has made 32 appearances for the French side, scoring 2 goals and providing one assist in all competitions. At 21, Diop still has his peak years ahead of him which Brighton could look to capitalise on in the coming years.
Malang Sarr
The 19-year-old centre-back is currently playing for OGC Nice and has been in fine form in the French top-flight this season. He has made 26 appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit in all competitions and has already become one of the key members in Lucien Favre’s side. The Seagulls will do well to prize him away from French football if they can convince the teenager to switch clubs in the near future.
