Simon Adingra needs to carefully consider a potential exit from Brighton and Hove Albion for Seattle Sounders, as it may not be the smart strategic choice he thinks it is.
That’s according to former Ivory Coast internationals Aruna Dindane and Didier Zokora, who have all given their opinions on the potential move for the Brighton man in an interview with Africa Foot today.
Adingra has found himself out of the picture at Brighton this season, featuring in just 27% of the available minutes in the Premier League to date.
He’s made 17 appearances in total in the league but has only managed six starts to date, largely playing as a substitute behind the likes of Kaoura Mitoma and Yankuba Minteh.
That has led to suggestions that he could move on, and the latest rumour has seen the 23-year-old linked with a potential move to MLS with Seattle Sounders.
That would be something of a surprise switch for the winger, who at one point appeared to be the next big thing off of the Brighton production line after arriving for €8m in 2022.
Zokora, though, believes the transfer could be a strategic choice for the winger that may pay off not long afterwards.
“Simon Adingra has proven that he has the level to make it in the Premier League,” he said.
“Going to the United States is a strategic choice that can be surprising, especially when you see the quality of the English championship. But it all depends on his project.
“Maybe he is looking for more playing time and a different environment to develop. Today, the MLS attracts younger talents and offers them significant visibility. Look at what Thiago Almada did at Atlanta United before returning to Europe.
“If Simon goes there, it will not be a step backwards, but he will have to make sure that it is a step and not an end point.”
That, though, is not an opinion shared by Aruna Dindane, who believes Adingra can do better and potentially even move to a Champions League club.
“This boy has a huge talent. He is at a good club in England, and he showed at the CAN that he can compete with the best,” he countered.
“In my opinion, he must aim higher, try to impose himself at Brighton or even aim for a more ambitious club in Europe. Going to MLS now is risking going off the radar of the big clubs.
“When you play in the Premier League, every game is a showcase. If Adingra plays a full season with Brighton, he can attract Champions League clubs. MLS is a good league, but he must think carefully about the impact that could have on his career.”
