Sunderland are set to endure their second departure of transfer deadline day.
Sunderland had managed to avoid losing any players in the transfer window thus far, until Alex Pritchard‘s move to Birmingham City was confirmed this morning.
However, they now look set to lose another in Josh Robertson. According to Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope, the 18-year-old is closing in on a move to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Hope originally posted on X: “Brighton are closing in on a deal for Sunderland attacking midfielder Josh Robertson. Could be movement today.”
However, it was only 20 minutes later that he claimed the youngster was now on south coast finalising a move to the Premier League outfit.
Who is Josh Robertson?
Josh Robertson joined Sunderland at 9 years old and has risen up through the academy ranks, currently plying his trade for the U18s.
The attacking midfielder has started nine games in the U18 Premier League this term and has five goals and an assist to his name – most notably netting a hat-trick against Leeds United.
He also made a brief cameo for the U21s during the 3-2 win over Aston Villa in September.
Robertson then scored against Middlesbrough in the FA Youth Cup third round in December, while he was due to play in the next round against Swindon Town tomorrow.
Sunderland Echo journalist James Copley was left disappointed by his impending departure. He wrote on X: “That Josh Robertson news is a blow. He’s a talented player. Joined Sunderland at the age of nine.
“Hopefully club will receive a good fee. Shame he can’t be persuaded to stay by pathway at AoL.
“Brighton provide their own brilliant system though. Tough one to take.”
Brighton have proven to be brilliant at developing young, unknown players in recent years and clearly have a big pull to tempt the teenager into moving to the opposite end of the country.