Brighton are being linked with a move to bring the Genki Haraguchi from Hertha BSC. The 26-year-old was first linked with a move to The Seagulls on the 23rd of May with The Daily Mirror reporting of Brighton’s interest. The Japan Times reported today morning that Haraguchi’s move was still up in the air. The Japanese international said: “This is not something I can decide on my own will and to be honest, I feel I’m in an awkward position.”
The winger also said “In any case, wherever I am going to be playing, this is the period where you do the groundwork for the year and first of all I have to get my fitness up.
“It is only one year before the World Cup (in Russia) and that is my main target so I want to have a good season.”
In my opinion, Haraguchi would be a great addition to the squad for three reasons.
The first being that he is a versatile player as he can not only just play out wide, he can play in attacking midfielder and upfront. This would make him a useful option as Chris Hughton could rely on him to play a number of different roles in the side.
The second reason is experience as Haraguchi has two seasons of top-flight German football under his belt and over 20 caps internationally for Japan. This is another thing that Hughton is looking to add, players who have experience of playing at a high level and have experience internationally.
Also, his determination is very important as from what I have heard of him talking in the media regarding the transfer, he seems not to be bothered about which club he plays for and just wants to knuckle down and have a good season in order to try and make the Japanese squad for the World Cup next year.
Haraguchi will add a different type of player to what Brighton have already on the wings as he seems to be a player that can be in the right place at the right time. From what I have seen he will not possess the trickery that Anthony Knockaert and Solly March have but seem to be a player who has a good delivery and an eye for a pass.
The only worry with the Japanese winger for me is it seems that his goal return is not the greatest with just a handful of goals in over 80 appearances for Hertha but this may well turn round if he joined Brighton & Hove Albion due to the sheer quality we possess going forward.
*Wink, Wink*
