Sunderland gem Tommy Watson was the talk of deadline day in the Championship, after Brighton tried and failed to sign the 18-year-old.
Tommy Watson‘s last year has certainly been eventful. He’s gone from being an exciting academy gem to an exciting first-team player, all the while having interest from Brighton.
Brighton failed to sign Watson last summer and the failed again on the January deadline day. It was reported that Sunderland rejected a £13million package for Watson, who was readying to travel to Brighton.
For Regis Le Bris, it’s certainly positive news. Watson has only featured 10 times in the Championship this season, scoring twice, but he’s shown enough to get a lot of people excited about his potential.
And Sunderland fans were pleased to see Watson stay despite the strong efforts of Brighton. He’s viewed as another diamond in this young Sunderland side, who could potentially be worth a lot more than £13million in seasons to come.
Brighton’s transfer plans for Sunderland ace Tommy Watson revealed
Whilst Watson remains a Sunderland player, it may be only for the time being. An report from talkSPORT though has revealed that Brighton plan to revisit their interest in Watson in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The worrying part for Sunderland is with regards to Watson’s contract at the Stadium of Light. Usually, Sunderland are very good at not having to deal with in demand players in the final year or so of their deal, though Watson is out of contract in 2026.
At the end of this season, the 18-year-old will have just a year left on his contract, so if a new one can’t be agreed then Sunderland surely sell during the summer.
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Marco Gabbiadini weighs in on Tommy Watson’s deadline day saga
Speaking on the topic, former Sunderland man Marco Gabbiadini gave his verdict on Watson and the failed move to Brighton, highlighting the positive for the young winger.
Gabbiadini said: “It’s a fine balancing act these kinds of deals. The player trying to get some security in his career, and a deal at a big club that would probably change his life completely. But at the same time, where’s he going to play more minutes? I think it’ll definitely be at Sunderland, and that will be a real positive for him as well.”
Returning from injury some time in February, Watson will want to hit the ground running and remain injury-free until the summer. He’ll also want to show everyone why Brighton were so desperate to sign him.
He has a very testing battle coming up with Romaine Mundle for that starting spot on the left of attack, but right now that spot is Enzo Le Fee’s.