If reports are to believed then Brighton & Hove Albion have tabled a sensational bid of £7.5 million for Turkish Super League ace Simon Kjaer, who has long been a target for former European giants Liverpool and AC Milan. The Fenerbahce centre-half has been one of the household names from the Super Lig for the past two seasons now, drawing interests from numerous Premier League giants.
Fenerbahce has been reluctant in letting their star defender go for obvious reasons, but with the offers increasing and their lack of any major silverware in the last domestic campaign means the player could seek another destination.
Brighton were the first team to gain a promotion in the Premier League last season although they gave away the title to Newcastle United on the last day of the season. While in the Championship both the teams had a tight competition with hardly anything to separate them, Newcastle’s bigger treasure chest could make a huge difference in the Premier League for sure.
And given the stupendous way that the Magpies have been linked wth every other player, Brighton would be hoping a flurry of names to arrive at St. James’ Park reminiscent of last summer. The landing of Kjaer from one of the Champions League participating clubs, on the other hand, would be a statement making signing for sure.
The towering 189cm centre-half is known for his extreme dominance in the air and physical approach to the game. He definitely brings in a huge assurance with his presence at the back line for any manager. He has managed to score three goals for the Turkish side last season in all competitions, helping the side to a third-place finish. Fenerbahce conceded just 32 goals in the entire season and the great Dane had a huge role in it.
Brighton were equal to Newcastle last season with both conceding 40 goals each and manager Chris Hughton would want his defence to remain as cohesive as possible when they face teams next term with deadly attacking threats.
And Kjaer could give Hughton exactly what he needs. In the 27 league matches he has played, Kjaer has won 56 % of his average duels with 31 interceptions, 89 clearances and 16 blocks, as per Squawka. Reportedly, Serie A giant AC Milan, who are one of the frontrunners in his pursuit, had a similar bid like that of Brighton turned down by the club, who would consider nothing less than their asking price.
Any chances of Brighton landing him are really slim, to be honest, but the initial bid really shows their intent in the summer window and we can expect some big arrivals at AMEX Stadium.
