That’s according to Ecuadorian outlet El Futbolero, who believe the Seagulls could be following the young attacker after his recent performances.

Fragozo is already making an impression at senior level despite his age. His latest display only added to the excitement around him.

Brighton could be keeping watch

Fragozo was one of Emelec’s standout performers in their weekend victory over Técnico Universitario. The teenager provided an assist and repeatedly caused problems with the ball. His willingness to run at defenders was one of the highlights of his performance.

El Futbolero now brings Brighton into the picture. They say Fragozo’s performances are starting to create expectations around his future. His pace, ability to beat opponents and confidence in the final third have caught attention.

Of course Brighton have looked towards emerging markets for young players they can develop, so this could be another early catch.

Born in Colombia and naturalised as Ecuadorian, the forward has become one of Emelec’s more exciting young talents.

He enjoys one-on-one situations and plays with little fear. His movement, changes of pace and diagonal runs can also open up space in opposition defences.

Perhaps most impressive is his personality. Fragozo wants the ball and looks to make things happen, even at only 16.

Still very early for Brighton

There is no suggestion yet that Brighton have submitted an offer or formally approached Emelec.

Transfermarkt currently values the youngster at €500k (£430k). That’s a valuation and not an asking price from Emelec, with his value likely to rise if he establishes himself further in the first team.

Fragozo remains right at the beginning of his senior career. Brighton may now be one to watch if the youngster continues making this kind of impact in Ecuador.

The post Brighton linked with 16-year-old Ecuador forward – Youngster already turning heads appeared first on Sport Witness.

Brighton’s decision to accept a loan for Igor Julio has already got things moving, with the defender now considering a proposal from Germany.

The Seagulls spent much of the summer pushing for a permanent transfer. That approach didn’t bring the offer they wanted, so Brighton have now opened the door to a temporary exit, as we covered last week.

Now according to Brazil’s RTI Esporte, Igor Julio already has a loan proposal from an unnamed German club on the table. What happens with that offer could then have a knock-on effect in Brazil, where several clubs are waiting in the background.

German loan offer on the table

Igor Julio’s camp are currently holding talks in Europe, and the German proposal is under consideration.

RTI Esporte don’t name the club involved. Schalke 04 look like a reasonable possibility, though, given what happened earlier in the window.

They made contact over the Brighton defender and came close to taking him to Germany before the move eventually fell through. There is no confirmation of course, so for now that remains an educated guess.

The report also suggests Igor Julio’s representatives are speaking to other European clubs. That appears to be where the immediate focus is.

If those conversations don’t produce a move, Brazil is very much back on the table. Brighton’s willingness to consider a loan makes that route much easier than it was only a few weeks ago.

Brazilian queue getting longer

The report says Botafogo could return after previously asking about Igor Julio. Their first attempt didn’t get very far because of Brighton’s previous stance, but that particular problem has now disappeared.

There are no advanced talks or agreement with Botafogo at this point. Their next move could depend on what happens with Igor Julio’s options in Europe.

Fluminense and Vasco have also shown interest, according to RTI Esporte. Those are two new names in a Brazilian list which already included Cruzeiro and Palmeiras.

Brighton originally paid Fiorentina around €17m (£14.7m) for Igor Julio in 2023, with bonuses potentially taking the deal to €20m (£17.3m). His current contract runs until next June.

In the end, there is a concrete loan proposal to consider and several Brazilian clubs waiting to see what happens. And he’s eager to leave, as we already know.

If the European options don’t work out, the Seagulls may suddenly have plenty of calls coming from Brazil.

The post Brighton’s U-turn already brings loan offer for defender – More clubs now circling appeared first on Sport Witness.

After a difficult year split between Chelsea and Leeds United, the 21-year-old needed somewhere he could finally find some stability. There was no shortage of interest, with River Plate, Rosario Central and Boca Juniors all linked with bringing him back to Argentina.

Elche eventually won the race, agreeing a season-long loan with Brighton. Speaking ahead of his potential La Liga debut, Buonanotte has now explained just how quickly they convinced him.

Argentina’s Olé carry his comments, with the player revealing a conversation with Elche manager Martín Anselmi effectively ended his search for a new club.

“It’s true that when the possibility of Elche came up, I spoke to Martín and told him I didn’t want to hear anything else and wanted to come here. I have people I know who spoke very highly of the city and the club, and from the little time I’ve been here I’ve already realised that’s the case.

“My teammates and the coaching staff welcomed me in the best possible way. I’m very happy, my family are too, so we’re preparing ourselves and I have no doubt it’s going to be a very good season.”

What Anselmi offered him

Facundo Buonanotte’s conversation with Anselmi was initially less about tactics and more about giving the Brighton player the right environment after a frustrating period.

They discussed how comfortable he could be in Elche, the city itself and the atmosphere around the club.

“We had a very positive conversation which I really liked, and I chose Elche,” he said.

“We didn’t talk much about tactics yet. It was more about the human side, that I was going to feel comfortable, that it was a very nice city and the same with the club, with people who are very close to you. Maybe that’s what I was looking for.”

Buonanotte has spent the past couple of seasons moving around in search of regular football. His Chelsea loan produced very few Premier League minutes, before another move to Leeds also failed to give him the continuity he wanted.

He is happy to acknowledge that himself.

“I had the last half of the season at Chelsea and the other at Leeds. The reality is that I couldn’t play much, but I see it as a positive step. I always try to see it as a positive step.”

“I want to leave that season behind and focus on this one. I’m very happy, positive and things are going to go in the best possible way for me.”

Number 10 and a clear role

Facundo Buonanotte has also been handed Elche’s number 10 shirt, another indication of the responsibility awaiting him in Spain.

The Brighton loanee says playing behind the striker remains his preferred role, although he is comfortable moving outside and swapping positions during matches.

“I consider myself a player who likes to have the ball a lot and obviously provide assists and goals. In the position I play those are the most important things, but there are many other things to do as well.”

“I also like defending. Of course I’m not the typical number 10 who waits for the ball. I’m also very committed when it comes to defending and I consider myself that type of player, ‘aguerrido’, as we say in Argentina.”

“I like playing behind the number nine. That’s the position where I feel most comfortable, but I also like playing out wide, swapping positions, going outside or coming inside. It depends on the match.”

He is fit enough to be involved immediately, having completed pre-season with Brighton before the transfer.

Buonanotte explained that he only missed Elche’s latest friendly because he arrived too late and needed rest following the journey.

Attention is on the start of La Liga

Survival is the obvious first target for Elche, although their new number 10 is already thinking a little bigger.

“I think the basis is staying in La Liga, but I think the team is capable of more. There are very good players, but beyond that it’s a very united group. For me that’s the main thing, and to fight for big things you need a united group.”

After the uncertainty and constant changes of the past year, that sense of belonging appears to be exactly what Buonanotte was looking for.

Brighton will now hope it translates into the one thing their midfielder has been missing most – regular football.

The post “Didn’t want to hear anything else” – Brighton loanee reveals why he rejected other options appeared first on Sport Witness.

Earlier this week, Sport Witness covered how the right-back finds himself out of the project at the Italian club.

He was excluded from the squad against Deportivo La Coruna for a pre-season friendly. Daniele De Rossi confirmed that this was due to reasons pertaining to a possible transfer.

The defender’s destination remains unknown but Everton and Hull City are two major candidates to land the Englishman.

Genoa are keen on Norton-Cuffy’s sale, and this would fund a move for Brighton’s Evan Ferguson.

Market hinges on Norton Cuffy

Today’s La Repubblica make it clear that Genoa CEO Diego Lopez is looking for the right players to improve the club’s squad. They haven’t done significant business this summer mainly because there has been no major outgoing.

Now, everything at the Rossoblu depends on Norton Cuffy’s sale.

The newspaper are confident Everton are the favourite to sign him. Genoa want to sell the defender as soon as possible, with a €20m price mentioned in the report.

La Repubblica clarify that Norton Cuffy is out of Genoa’s project. If he leaves, the Italian side will improve their attack and Brighton’s Ferguson is a key target.

He wants to return to Italy after his failed spell at AS Roma last season. The Seagulls and Genoa are already discussing a move and a loan deal is being considered.

There is openness from everyone to execute the transfer but Genoa need to secure the right-backs’ departure.

Our take: Move benefits everyone

Everton need a right-back. The 22-year-old Genoa player has previously played in England for various clubs and has clearly grown in stature in his two years in Italy. He could solve the long-term issue for David Moyes’ side and his valuation isn’t excessive either.

This would be huge for Genoa, who can then make other moves. They fought relegation last season and signings this summer can go a long way to making sure they stay away from the bottom next season.

Brighton, at their end, have moved on from Ferguson already. The player needs a new start and featuring regularly for Genoa can help him.

The post Eagerness to sell player to Everton for €20m – Move can impact Brighton appeared first on Sport Witness.

Brighton have changed their stance on Igor Julio’s future, opening the door to a loan after spending months pushing exclusively for a permanent sale.

That represents quite a turnaround in a transfer saga which has already taken several directions this summer. The Seagulls wanted around €6m (£5.2m) for the Brazilian and previously rejected approaches which fell short of their demands.

With no sufficiently attractive permanent offer arriving, Brighton are now prepared to consider a different solution.

According to ESPN Brazil, the Premier League side currently view a loan “favourably”, potentially making Igor Julio’s departure considerably easier before the window closes.

German negotiations now underway

Igor Julio already has another possible destination on the table. Bruno Andrade reports the 28-year-old is currently negotiating with a German club. The identity of that side isn’t revealed.

That’s worth stressing given Igor Julio’s previous talks with Schalke 04 earlier this summer. That move ultimately failed of course, and the latest report doesn’t say Schalke are the German club now negotiating for him. But could be a hint.

Should the current talks fail to progress, the change in Brighton’s position could send the defender back towards Brazil. Both Cruzeiro and Botafogo have explored a deal in recent months, when a loan wasn’t an option.

Brighton change removes previous obstacle

Botafogo recently made an enquiry for Igor Julio, but those discussions cooled because Brighton only wanted a permanent transfer. That particular obstacle has now disappeared.

Cruzeiro went considerably further earlier in the window. They made an offer after identifying the defender as a priority for then-manager Artur Jorge, but couldn’t reach Brighton’s asking price of around €6m (£5.2m).

At that stage, the Seagulls showed little appetite for finding a temporary solution. Months without the permanent deal they wanted have clearly changed the calculation.

Igor Julio has also made his own priority clear. Speaking recently about his future, he said he simply wanted to play regularly again, whether that happened at Brighton or elsewhere.

The German negotiations currently offer one possible route towards that. If they don’t work out, Brighton’s U-turn means clubs in Brazil can return to the table under very different conditions from those they encountered earlier in the summer.

The post Brighton make U-turn on defender stance – Failed to secure desired sale appeared first on Sport Witness.

Reports from Argentina first placed the forward on Brighton’s radar before the City Football Group were also said to be following him.

Neither link has produced a formal offer so far. Yet Flores’ sudden rise at Boca means those claims have arrived at a pretty logical time.

Brazilian outlet Trivela has now published a detailed profile of the teenager, explaining what has made him one of Boca’s most exciting prospects.

There’s also a useful transfer detail. They report his contract contains a release clause worth around €13m (£11.3m).

Why Brighton and City Group are watching

Leonel Flores has become one of Boca’s biggest positives since the World Cup break. Trivela describes him as a brave and “aggressive” attacker who actively looks for one-on-one situations.

He plays mainly from the right but can operate across the attack. His game is built around acceleration, changes of direction and a willingness to run directly at defenders.

Flores likes receiving the ball wide and immediately putting his marker under pressure. From there, he can attack the byline or move inside onto his stronger right foot.

The Brazilian outlet stresses he isn’t just quick. His ability to combine that acceleration with improvisation, short dribbles and quick decisions in tight areas is a big part of his appeal.

Boca’s coaching staff particularly value his explosiveness. Despite still adapting physically to senior football, he can repeatedly produce those bursts throughout matches.

It’s the sort of raw material that makes links with Brighton and City Football Group particularly interesting. Both have spent heavily on young South American talent in recent years, looking to identify players before they become established at the highest level.

Boca have watched him grow up

Leonel Flores is hardly an overnight discovery for Boca. He joined their academy aged seven in 2014 and progressed through every level before becoming one of the reserve team’s leading players.

Flores scored eight times during one Apertura campaign and once managed four goals in a single match against Aldosivi.

His route into Arruabarrena’s team still required some patience. Flores began 2026 behind other academy players and lost some ground before returning to the reserves. He responded by finding his form again and scoring against River Plate.

That earned him another opportunity with the senior squad, and he didn’t waste it. Flores scored against Sarmiento on his professional debut in the Copa Argentina.

He has since earned more minutes from Arruabarrena and has been one of Boca’s standout performers following the World Cup break.

€13m clause adds another layer

Leonel Flores signed his first professional contract in 2024 and has since extended his agreement until December 2029.

That gives Boca plenty of protection, although Trivela brings an important detail for Brighton, City Football Group and anyone else keeping tabs on him. They say his current deal contains a release clause of around €13m (£11.3m).

That’s particularly interesting given how quickly Flores has moved from reserve football to becoming a genuine first-team option.

Boca understandably want to handle his development carefully. At 19, there will be ups and downs, and the Argentine club want him to establish himself without losing the freedom and aggression that got him there.

The attention from England suggests others are already looking further ahead.

Brighton and City Football Group appear to have spotted the same combination: a very young attacker, already producing at senior level, with plenty still to develop and a release clause which puts a clear figure on any potential move.

The post Why Brighton and Manchester City owners have eyes on €13m Boca Juniors wonderkid appeared first on Sport Witness.

La Repubblica di Genova report that the Italian side have their sights on Daniel Jebbison and Evan Ferguson.

Striker search

The newspaper explains that the list of candidates at the Serie A side is long as they try to solve their search for a player in the position. Manager Daniele de Rossi is now pushing to add a name before the season starts in ten days’ time.

Brighton’s Evan Ferguson is one of those names. He’s returned to the Seagulls following an unsuccessful loan spell at Roma.

But he is not a part of their plans moving forwards and a temporary move away – for a second time – could suit all parties. Genoa would certainly be open to loaning the 21-year-old. But he is considered a “recycled” option.

Bournemouth man impresses

Then there is Bournemouth’s Daniel Jebbison. He ‘caught Genoa’s eye’ during a friendly between the two sides on August 4^th. Bournemouth won that game 10-1, with Jebbison among the goalscorers.

The 22-year-old Canadian seems to have impressed Genoa’s management with his performance in that game. The question is whether Cherries would want to sell. They have already lost Eli Junior Kroupi through injury and Enes Unal is set to return to Getafe.

They signed Álvaro Rodríguez earlier this summer, but the plan is surely for Jebbison to provide back up to him, unless there are more additions before the end of the window.

For now, it appears that Genoa are just looking at the names on their list and deciding what direction to go in. But there is a desire to get a new striker through the door in the next 10 days, and the Brighton and Bournemouth men are options to be explored in that pursuit.

The post Pre-season game put Bournemouth man on transfer list – Brighton player a “recycled” option appeared first on Sport Witness.

Quotidiano Sportivo report Atalanta have slapped a €50m price tag on the 18-year-old to ward off Brighton’s growing interest in him.

€50m required

According to the newspaper, the Nerazzurri club have no intention of parting ways with Honest Ahanor this summer, despite Brighton reportedly weighing up a massive bid.

They have been interested in the youngster for a while. They’re not the only suitors either. Sport Witness covered a report yesterday explaining how they could beat Chelsea to the punch.

Now Quotidiano Sportivo report that the Seagulls have funds and are potentially preparing a massive offer for the 18-year-old full-back.

They, like everyone else, spotted Ahanor during a positive debut season with the Italian side last in which he racked up 22 Serie A appearances, nine in the Champions League and four in the Coppa Italia.

Atalanta are aware of the interest but have no intention of selling. They paid €17m for him last year and consider the defender to be a key investment for the present and the future.

They believe his value has nearly tripled in a single season, and he could ‘truly break out’ under the guidance of Maurizio Sarri.

Because of this, they have no intention of parting ways at this point. It would take a ‘dramatic and unexpected bid’ from Brighton to change that. And it would need to exceed the €50m mark before they would even consider it.

Brighton spending

Whether Brighton are willing to spend such a figure, isn’t made clear. The indication is that figure has been designed to push the Seagulls away.

But they’ve shown no fear paying such sums for youngsters. Luka Vuskovic (19) joined from Tottenham for €54m, this summer. Yankuba Minteh (19) cost €35m in 2024, Charalampos Kostoulas (18) cost €34m in 2025.

Clearly, they are happy to pay for talent. So Atalanta’s big asking price may not be the shield that they believe it is. But they’ve set out their stall either way, now it’s time for Brighton to respond.

The post Club slap €50m asking price on player to scare off Brighton – ‘Dramatic’ increase required appeared first on Sport Witness.

The left-back has only just turned 17, yet he is already putting together an important run in Vélez’s first team.

Escobar earned his third consecutive start against Boca Juniors at the weekend and was one of his side’s standout performers.

That early progress has caught attention in England. Now Sport Witness have learned Brighton and Chelsea are among the clubs following the youngster.

Simón Escobar fits the future

Simón Escobar has made his mark at youth international level with Argentina. He impressed at the U17 World Cup and has since caught the eye at the U17 CONMEBOL tournament.

The teenager meets all requirements of a modern attacking full-back. He’s tall and strong, while also being comfortable carrying the ball at speed.

Escobar likes to get forward and support attacks. His passing range and crossing are also considered among his strengths.

His physical build helps at the other end of the pitch. He’s comfortable engaging opponents early and using his frame in defensive duels.

There’s obviously still plenty of development ahead. What makes his progress particularly interesting is his age.

Escobar only recently celebrated his 17th birthday in July and is already getting meaningful first-team minutes at one of Argentina’s biggest clubs. That helps explain why teams in England are paying attention this early.

Contract situation adds another angle

Simón Escobar is under contract with Vélez until December 2027. That gives the Argentine club some protection, although it isn’t an especially long deal for a teenager now breaking into their senior side.

Should Escobar continue getting minutes and developing at his current rate, his contract situation could become something for Vélez to address.

There’s also a small detail which makes Brighton’s interest worth keeping an eye on.

Escobar is represented by Hernán Berman, the same agent who works with River Plate young midfielder Juan Cruz Meza. The latter was linked with Brighton last year.

That doesn’t necessarily mean the two situations are connected. It does mean the Seagulls have already been mentioned around another young Argentine represented by Berman.

For now, this is at the interest stage. There is no suggestion yet of an offer or advanced talks. At just 17, Escobar is already doing the most useful thing possible to strengthen his case – getting senior minutes and performing well when given them.

Shoulda European club since Escobar, then he won’t be able to move to the continent until he turns 18.

The post Exclusive: Brighton and Chelsea keen on young Argentine fullback appeared first on Sport Witness.

Sky Germany have an interview with the Brighton boss today. He discusses transfers, summer signing Luka Vuskovic and the German national team.

Busy summer

It’s been a busy summer of incomings and departures for Brighton this summer already. Key players Danny Welbeck and Jan Paul van Hecke have departed, while the likes of Pascal Struijk and Vuskovic have arrived in big-money deals.

Both of those will be tasked with replacing Van Hecke in the heart of Brighton’s defence. That in itself is a big task given the impression the Dutchman made during his time with the Seagulls. But Hurzeler insists there’s more to it than ability on the pitch.

“(We want) players who fit our identity very well,” he said.

“Players who want to control a game, who are very, very good with the ball at their feet, who always manage to find solutions, who have a super mentality.

“I think that’s also a very, very important point, that we a not only scout the player, but also the right person.

Luka Vuskovic profile

The arrival of Luka Vuskovic from Tottenham is particularly intriguing. He comes following an impressive loan spell at HSV Hamburg, where he was the breakout star of the Bundesliga last season.

Reports have linked the 19-year-old with some of the biggest clubs around Europe as a result. Instead, he has joined Brighton, a club famed for their ability to develop top talent in recent years.

Hurzeler, though, insists he was a signing done for more than natural talent alone.

“He (Vuskovic) is a player who always works hard,” he added.

“He is a player who wants to improve every day, who is already very, very mature despite his age and who brings this mentality to always want to get better. And of course, the colleagues from HSV have spoken and that gives you naturally a good feeling.”

Im exklusiven Sky Sport Interview hat sich Fabian Hürzeler unter anderem zu Brighton, Jürgen Klopp sowie den Vuskovic-Brüdern geäußert.

Das ganze Interview findet ihr auf https://t.co/8YKd4tUQxr oder in der Sky Sport App pic.twitter.com/c1Mz7SLXmX

— Sky Sport (@SkySportDE) August 6, 2026

The post Fabian Hurzeler details why Luka Vuskovic was signed from Tottenham – Fits into signing model perfectly appeared first on Sport Witness.