Back in June, we covered claims from Spain that Brighton & Hove Albion wanted to sign Deportivo de La Coruña’s David Mella. It was also stated his €4m clause was tempting for the Premier League side.
The possibility of 19-year-old joining Brighton was immediately dismissed by La Opinion a Coruña. They had also stated Mella and Deportivo de La Coruña weren’t in favour of his exit.
Fast forward to September and AS now talks about Brighton’s failed attempt to sign Mella in the summer window.
He graduated from the Spanish club’s academy and made his way into their first team in 2023. The winger managed nine goals and three assists from 33 games last season. Mella played a key role in helping his side secure a promotion to the Segunda División.
Brighton activated his €4m clause in June and this is now confirmed by Deportivo de La Coruña sporting director Fernando Soriano. He has also revealed the youngster snubbed the Seagulls to continue at the club.
“In David’s case, I’m very clear. He remains at Depor because he wanted to. There was a club that paid the clause and David said he didn’t accept and that he didn’t want to leave. I like to say that so that there is no doubt about his loyalty and his desire to continue,” he said.
“Now we are going through a process of several months, the general management is also involved, because when negotiations are delayed, it has to go to a higher body so that they are directly aware of the situation.
“I hope to reach an agreement [likely for the renewal], but I don’t know how long it will take. But Brighton paid his clause, we couldn’t do anything about it and he’s the one who says he’s not leaving Deportivo.”
Mella has less than two years left on his deal with the second division Spanish club.
