“Closest option is Brighton” – Seagulls ahead of competitor for signing, PL side ‘interested’ in player

Brighton & Hove Albion are one of two clubs considering signing Los Angeles FC’s José Cifuentes, according to claims.

The Ecuador international joined the Major League Soccer [MLS] side from América de Quito in January 2020. He has been a regular for them and won the MLS Cup with the club earlier this month.

Operating mainly in the middle of the pitch, he managed 13 goals and 15 assists from 95 matches in all competitions for the American club. His displays have caught the attention of Brighton and Real Sociedad, according to journalist Andrés Ponce.

Ponce detailed this claim during Radio Diblú’s Tiempo Extra, relayed by Expreso. Roberto De Zerbi’s side and the La Liga club have the 23-year-old in their sights, and the two clubs would be ‘interested’ in securing his services.

Between the Premier League side and La Real, Ponce says “the closest option is Brighton”.

Cifuentes’ current deal with Los Angeles FC will expire in December 2023 and they want him to continue in the MLS for one more year.

If he were to join Brighton, Cifuentes will meet up with his compatriots, Moisés Caicedo, Pervis Estupiñán and Jeremy Sarmiento.