Transfer to Brighton seen as stepping stone – Coach says player will join ‘much better team’ soon

Former Fenerbahce manager Vitor Pereira has told the Turkish media that he believes Ferdi Kadıoğlu will be suited to English football.

The 24-year-old is on the verge of offcially signing for Brighton & Hove Albion after being linked with the Premier League club throughout the summer.

Speaking to Sabah about Kadıoğlu’s transfer to Brighton, Pereira said he believes the left back will be a success in the Premier League as his playing attributes are suited to the competition.

However, the Portuguese coach thinks the player will quickly go on to better things and has the ability to join a bigger club in the future.

“He’s an excellent professional. Always willing to learn. He was willing to listen to his coaches, me, and everyone who led him. He deserves the Premier League because of his fabric, he will definitely be very successful. He’s been brought for a very serious fee from Fenerbahce. After Brighton, he will go on to much better teams,” said the former Fener boss.

Pereira also discussed the intriguing position change which was behind the player’s success: “When I first met Ferdi Kadıoğlu, I immediately noticed all his quality. He played in the midfield, behind the forward and on the right wing. When I looked at his intelligence, personality and style of play, I made a position change. We dedicated ourselves to the “adventure” of transforming a number 10 and winger into a left-back of tremendous quality. He was very successful at left-back. His physical quality, ability to run for 90 minutes, dribbling skills and playmaker role took him to another level.”

On Friday it was reported Brighton had finally reached an agreement with Fenerbahce with regards to signing Kadıoğlu, with a transfer fee of €35.2m said to be agreed on. The same day the Turkey international flew over to the UK to have his medical.

Following his performances in the Euros this summer the player has reportedly been on the radar of a number of Premier League sides and along with Brighton, Manchester United, Arsenal and Newcastle United were also said to be interested signing him.