Brighton Contacts Mats Hummels: Former Dortmund Skipper on the Radar

Brighton & Hummels: A Possible Match?

Brighton & Hove Albion has recently reached out to former Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels, who is currently a free agent after his departure from Dortmund at the end of the last season. This development, reported by Sky Sports in Germany, indicates that Brighton is keen on bolstering their defensive options under new manager Fabian Hurzeler, who has made history as the youngest permanent manager in the Premier League at just 31 years old.

Defensive Needs Under Hurzeler

Since taking over from Roberto De Zerbi this summer, Hurzeler has shown interest in strengthening the center-back position. Brighton has already made significant signings in other areas, bringing in wingers Yankuba Minteh and Ibrahim Osman, and midfielders Mats Wieffer and Malick Yalcouye. However, the defense remains a priority, and Hummels could be a pivotal addition.

West Ham’s Interest and Hummels’ Future

West Ham United is also keeping an eye on Hummels, indicating a competitive race for the experienced defender. The 35-year-old has not only had a successful club career, making 508 appearances for Dortmund and earning 78 caps for Germany, but he also faces the possibility of retirement from football this summer. His decision could significantly impact both Premier League sides.

Brighton Eyeing Matt O'Riley from Celtic

In addition to pursuing Hummels, Brighton is reportedly in discussions with Celtic over midfielder Matt O'Riley. The 23-year-old has been a standout player, boasting an impressive record of 19 goals and 18 assists in 49 appearances last season. O'Riley has garnered interest not just from Brighton, but also from Chelsea and Atalanta.

Chris Sutton’s Perspective

Football pundit Chris Sutton has voiced his opinion on the potential move, suggesting that O'Riley should aim for a more significant challenge before committing to Brighton. He stated, "With the greatest respect to Brighton, I think Matt O'Riley should set his sights higher. I would prefer to see him challenge for a spot in the Champions League with the current Celtic team. Unless it's a big move, he should consider staying for one more season." This sentiment reflects the increasing competition in the Premier League and the desire for players to further their careers.

Transfer Window Timeline

As teams position themselves for the upcoming season, the 2024 summer transfer window is officially set to close on August 30 at 11 PM UK time for Premier League clubs, and 11:30 PM for Scottish teams. This synchronized deadline comes after extensive discussions between leagues in England, Germany, Italy, Spain, and France.

Conclusion

As Brighton navigates the summer transfer window, the club aims to fill crucial gaps in their squad. The potential signings of Mats Hummels and Matt O'Riley could significantly impact their performance in the Premier League. With the new season ahead, fans will be eagerly watching these developments unfold.