Leandro Trossard’s agent has revealed his client turned down Arsenal for Brighton & Hove Albion due to a fear ver lack of playing time at the Emirates.
The Gunners showed firm interest in the winger before he joined the Seagulls from Genk in 2019. The north London club’s officials even made multiple trips to Belgium in order to convince the player.
Graham Potter’s arrival at The Amex in the summer of 2019 helped Brighton beat Arsenal to signing the 27-year-old.
The Belgium international has established himself at Brighton and is in contention to start for his country at the 2022 World Cup. Ahead of the FIFA tournament in Qatar, HUMO had a detailed chat with the player.
“Potter came to Brussels especially for Leandro. With an extensive Power Point presentation to convince him. He absolutely wanted him,” Comhair said.
“There were other options. In the same period, I had several conversations with Arsenal. They came to Belgium four times.
“I’ll give you a note: most players would have chosen Arsenal. But what would have happened if Leandro didn’t get to play? Then there is only one way out: to take a step back. People don’t realise what that does in someone’s head.
“I know Leandro: bench him three times and he goes wild. So, we turned it around: if he does well at Brighton, he doesn’t have to back down, he can take a step forward (grins). Didn’t we get it right?”
Trossard’s decision to pick Brighton has paid off well. He’s been starring for them, and is also linked to top clubs in England. The player’s deal expires in 2023 and Roberto De Zerbi’s side have an option to further extend it by a year.
