Sunderland winger Tommy Watson has seen his deadline day move to Brighton fall through. It may be a blow for him, but for Sunderland, it seems like positive news.
Tommy Watson has only broken through at Sunderland this season. But he’s quickly become an important player and when he returns from injury in the coming weeks, he’ll really bolster Regis Le Bris’ side.
Though it looked like Watson was set to join Brighton on deadline day. Just as the move looked to be progressing, though, Fabrizio Romano revealed that Watson to Brighton was off.
Sunderland rejected the Seagull’s package of £13million for the 18-year-old, Romano said.
Sunderland fans glad to see Tommy Watson staying amid Brighton rumours
News of Watson staying at the Stadium of Light has largely delighted supporters, who are hailing the club for not selling despite a handsome offer from Brighton.
“Nice to see club isn’t keen to just give away it’s brightest prospects like years gone by,” posted one fan.
Another added: “No axe to grind with Brighton — a good club with an admirable youth development policy — but we have to stand firm when it comes to players like Watson.”
Meanwhile, one fan highlighted the change in attitude towards selling under current owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, posting: “Not so long ago we were selling our best academy players for the first… Great news.”
“Best news I’ve heard in this window!” said another fan, as one supporter posted: “Yet still some will have you believe we’re a selling club.”
Late twist revealed in Tommy Watson to Brighton saga
While Romano’s update seems like the nail in the coffin for Watson and his move to Brighton, that may not be the case.
Reports since have revealed that Watson could still leave Sunderland for Brighton with both parties still open to thrashing out a deal before 11pm, though Simon Adingra won’t be heading the other way.
That could put Sunderland off the move entirely as they may not have time to world on another Watson replacement by this point in the evening.
Either way, if Watson stays then fans will be pleased, and likewise if their team gets a result at Middlesbrough on Monday evening.