It seems that newly promoted Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion has called a full-on raid at just relegated German side Ingolstadt, as they are weighing up a move for yet another player of theirs, this time Markus Suttner. The Seagulls have already secured the services of their former midfielder Pascal Gross and Chris Hughton is now eyeing to shore up his defence.
Brighton had one of the best defensive records in the Championship last season, with the side conceding only 40 goals in all 46 games, which is equal to the winners Newcastle United. However, the departure of Sebastien Pocognoli at the end of the season, who has been one of their best players at the back, means they would need immediate replacements.
The West Bromwich Albion player was on loan with them the entire season and has now moved to Standard Liege for yet another temporary stint. The Belgian international was the second choice for the manager after Cameroon international Gaetan Bong and Suttner would provide a good competition to the African International.
Hughton’s previous stint with Newcastle when they were in the Premier League has taught him well the need to have an experienced full-back in holding off strong opponents, and Suttner could be a wise addition by all means.
The 30-year-old Austrian international has been one of the most consistent players for the former Bundesliga side last term, scoring four goals and assisting five times in all competitions. Despite not having the required pace to create havoc from wide areas, Suttner compensates for it with his superior technique and intelligent game reading abilities.
An academy product of SK Wullersdorf, he moved to AKA Austria Wien U18 back in 2001 and his progress followed till he broke into their first team in 2007. He has been an established player for them since then, playing over 250 games and assisting 35 times in the process with nine goals. He has even managed four goals and five assists last season in the Bundesliga.
Suttner is also a regular in the Austrian national team, since making his debut for them back in February. Brighton have reportedly made a £1.75 million bid for the Ingolstadt left-back and wants to seal the deal as fast as possible.
Hughton knows well that he cannot afford an underwhelming start to the season at any cost if he aims to survive the first season. And given that they face both tough opponents like Manchester City and Leicester City in the first month itself, more players like Suttner would be needed at the AMEX Stadium.
