Now that Brighton & Hove Albion are safe and sound, they can start planning the upcoming transfer window, and if January’s attempts are anything to go by, that could include signing a striker.
Never really expecting Glenn Murray to be their top scorer this season, the Seagulls made attempts to sign Karl Toko Ekambi both last summer and in the winter, to no avail.
Deciding to stay at Angers until the end of the season, the Cameroon international rejected the chance to move to Brighton, despite a bid of €14m being made for his services.
Having scored 17 goals in 35 league appearances, the 25-year-old’s stock has increased considerably this season, and that’s a bit of a problem for Chris Hughton.
His prolificacy in front of goal has caused a number of European clubs to take notice, including Villarreal, Marseille and Hoffenheim, according to Mercato365 in France.
A meeting is expected between Villarreal and the French club following their La Liga clash against Barcelona, meaning that, if Brighton still want the forward, they might need to act quickly.
Furthermore, Angers, who have given their star the green light to leave in the coming months, have upped the price tag on Toko Ekambi, now demanding around €20m.
It appears Brighton might have to start looking somewhere else, or simply hope Jürgen Locadia gets more chances next season with a full preseason with the club under his belt.
