Tommy Watson’s Deadline Day Move to Brighton Falls Through
Sunderland youngster Tommy Watson was on the verge of completing a Deadline Day move to Brighton—but the deal has now collapsed.
Watson had been the subject of multiple bids from Brighton, with the winger even heading south to finalize what was expected to be an £8.5 million deal, including add-ons. As part of the negotiations, Sunderland were keen to secure Simon Adingra on loan from Brighton for the remainder of the season, and both clubs appeared to be making progress.
However, Fabrizio Romano has reported that the deal is officially off.
Sunderland Reject £13 Million Offer for Watson
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Romano revealed that Sunderland turned down a £13 million offer for the 18-year-old, effectively ending Watson’s proposed move to Brighton. Additionally, talks surrounding Adingra’s potential loan move to the Stadium of Light have also fallen through.
Did Sunderland Miss an Opportunity?
With Watson’s current contract set to expire in 2026, Sunderland’s decision to reject Brighton’s substantial offer has raised eyebrows. By next summer, he’ll be entering the final year of his deal, and cashing in now might have made financial sense—especially for a player still early in his professional career.
What the Sunderland fanbase will make of this decision remains to be seen, but it’s surprising considering the size of the offer and the potential to bring in Adingra on loan.
For Watson, it’s been a whirlwind Deadline Day. With the transfer saga behind him, his focus will now return to Sunderland as he aims to make an impact on the pitch once again.
