Last summer, Olivier Boscagli was keen on joining Brighton & Hove Albion after they made an offer to PSV Eindhoven.
The operation didn’t go through because the fee proposed by the Seagulls didn’t convince the Eredivisie side. They refused to sell even though the centre-back only has a contract until the end of next month.
Boscagli has been speaking to ESPN NL and admitted he thought the move to Brighton last summer would go through.
The Frenchman expressed his disappointment over failing to secure a transfer to The Amex and admits it was challenging to overcome it.
“Everything seemed to be going well, but in the end the deal fell through and that wasn’t my fault. It was a huge disappointment. In the end, I had to change my mind and continue, because the season was about to start again,” he said.
“Mentally, it was very tough. My mind was already somewhere else. A new adventure, new club, new culture. I felt that I was ready, but in the end, I am also happy that I was able to play here for another year.”
The defender further explains the Dutch club’s refusal to let him join Brighton infuriated him and explains the reason for the same.
“I was also angry and had several discussions with the club, because things didn’t go as we had discussed beforehand. But that is football. I don’t think I am the only one who has suffered from this, it happens very often,” Boscagli explains.
Earlier claims stated the Premier League club had offered €10m. The player now insists it was a good deal for PSV, who will see him leave as a free agent in the summer window.
“It was also a good deal for the club financially. Now I am leaving on a free transfer and that was never my intention. The amount was really good, but the club held me to my contract, and I had to respect that,” he added.
Brighton could be presented with a new opportunity to sign Boscagli for free, but it’s unclear whether they are still keen on securing his services.
“I have the ambition to play in the best competition, with the best possible team. I have a lot of confidence and great ambitions. We will see where it will take me,” Boscagli said.
That’s certainly a hint for Brighton to have another go.
