Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Steven Alzate has admitted he will sit down with the club at the end of the season to discuss his future after a loan spell at Standard Liege.
The Colombian joined the Belgian side on loan in the summer in search of regular playing time to help him get back to full fitness following an injury layoff.
He’s managed to do just that making 18 appearances in the Jupiler Pro League this season and featuring in 78% of the available minutes so far.
That is exactly what he and Brighton were hoping for as he looks to battle back from the ankle surgery in September 2021 that has proven difficult for him to shake off.
His current loan deal does not include a purchase option for Standard, meaning the 24-year-old is set to return to Brighton at the end of the campaign.
He’s admitted he intends to sit down with the club and work things out, as he would be more than willing to remain in Belgium if the opportunity arose.
“From the first days, I felt particularly welcome at this club and that plays into my success,” he told DHnet.
“I also really liked the way the club works and the warmth of the fans. Since the winter break, I have played every game.
“I feel really good, I feel like I’m improving and growing, as a player and as a person, with every game.”
“Football is sometimes fun and I could stay, yes. I like this club, I like the people. I feel important. I know I still belong to Brighton but we will sit down with both clubs at the end of the season to discuss.
“The Premier League is the biggest league in the world and returning there is also a goal. But part of me wants to stay at Standard.”
Whether Brighton sanction a permanent exit for Alzate remains to be seen, but it certainly seems like they’re set for a busy summer in regards to players currently out on loan.
Only yesterday forward Andi Zeqiri suggested he wasn’t all that keen on a return to the club either, having spent this season on loan at Basel in Switzerland.
Now Alzate has become the second player to echo those thoughts, hinting there could be a busy summer of exits at the Amex on the horizon.
