On Thursday, Brighton & Hove Albion confirmed they have agreed a deal with Pogoń Szczecin for the transfer of Kacper Kozłowski and allowed him go out on loan to Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise until the end of the season.
Reports in the Polish press had stated the Seagulls were joined by Manchester City, Liverpool and a few other clubs in chasing the midfielder. Graham Potter’s side were able to overcome competition.
Sport.pl have carried a detailed interview with the Polish side’s sporting director, Dariusz Adamczuk, where he revealed how and why Pogoń agreed selling the 18-year-old to Brighton for a cheaper price.
“At Brighton, they are convinced of him. They had been watching him for at least a year and a half, and had sent scouts to our games and national teams many times. So, they know how he plays, his strengths and weaknesses,” he said.
“We all know how big the gap is between our league and the English one. The intensity is much higher there. If such a club wants a player from Poland, we always pay attention to it. Therefore, a change in Belgium should be good for Kacper. He is talented, but also hardworking and self-confident. This set of traits can help him achieve success.”
“Brighton have negotiating since the beginning of December, and bought [him for] more than €10m. The amount could have been even higher, but we were, above all, interested in having a percentage of future transfer. It was a priority for us. We believe that Brighton will not be the Kacper’s last club.”
“There were a few clubs that we talked to, but when we quoted the price, they gave up. Only the clubs from England were ready to pay the amount that satisfied us. Of course, those from the Bundesliga could also afford it, but in Germany you do not pay so much money for 18-year-olds from Poland.”
According to Sport.pl, Pogoń are entitled to received 10% from the English clubif they decide to sell the player in the future. Adamczuk admitted Potter’s side let him move to Belgium so that he can be eligible to obtain a work permit soon to play in England.
In the last 18 months, Brighton have taken Jakub Moder and Michał Karbownik in the summer of 2020 and they are now joined by their compatriot, Kozłowski.
