“Still crazy” – Brighton decision to spend big on player ‘most shocking’, feeling player has ‘far too little end product’

Former Denmark international Stig Tøfting has been critical of Brighton & Hove Albion’s decision to invest 140m kroner [€18m] on Ibrahim Osman.

Writing in his column for Tipsbladet, the former Bolton Wanderers man has revealed he’s surprised with the Seagulls’ decision to spend that amount on a player who hasn’t performed well so far.

Brighton have announced that they have reached an agreement with FC Nordsjælland for the winger to arrive at The Amex in the summer.

The Ghanaian has agreed a deal until 2029 with the Premier League side, and is hopeful that Brighton can help him continue his development.

Last weekend, Nordsjælland sporting director Jan Laursen stated his side had a desire to retain the 19-year-old. However, they had to give up in the end because of the fee offered by Brighton.

Osman arrived in Europe in January 2023, when Nordsjælland signed him from Ghanian side Right to Dream Academy. He’s scored four goals and registered five assists from 39 games for the Danish club so far.

Tøfting has hailed Nordsjælland for securing a deal with Brighton for the teenager.

“Fine sale of Diomande to Rangers for DKK 40m, but the most shocking thing is that Osman has been sold for DKK 140m this summer,” he said.

“So, the man has played 22 Superliga games, scored one goal and made four assists. Are you suddenly worth DKK 140m? I don’t understand anything.”

“In other words, he can dribble, challenge and run extremely fast, but there’s far too little end product. Yes, he is sold on potential, but still crazy in my world and impressively nice work – again, again – by FCN!”