It wouldn’t be a transfer window if Brighton weren’t linked to a top South American transfer target. This time around, the Seagulls are reportedly interested in Inter Miami’s Diego Gómez.
The versatile Paraguayan midfielder has long been linked to European clubs, including Brighton. This week, we finally have confirmation that the Seagulls have made contact with Lionel Messi’s side about signing Gómez.
Leading MLS reporter Tom Bogert revealed that Brighton have officially submitted a bid for Gómez. Reports on how much the Seagulls have offered for the 21-year-old vary widely.
Some outlets say Brighton bid $8.5 million for Gómez, while others say the club have offered as much as £20 million ($25 million) for the Paraguayan. Inter Miami’s true asking price is probably somewhere in the middle.
The Herons signed Gómez for just $3 million from Paraguay’s Libertad in 2023. Many scouts thought he was ready for a move to Europe back then, so the signing was quite a coup for Inter Miami at the time. Unfortunately, Gómez has not had many opportunities to make his mark in Miami so far.
Gómez has played just 14 league games for Inter Miami. He started this season as one of the best defensive midfielders in MLS, playing alongside Sergio Busquets and behind Lionel Messi. Prior to suffering a bad ankle sprain in May, Gómez led MLS in tackles and was second for duels won.
Despite his limited play-time, it’s clear Gómez has the quality to play at the next level. For Miami, he has played left winger and center mid. The latter position is where he’s most comfortable, but he is really raw.
If signed, it will be interesting to see how new Brighton boss Fabian Hürzeler decides to use Gómez in his 3-4-3 system. He’s a natural fit to play in a midfield two. Given his past experience higher up the pitch out wide, he could also be converted to a pretty solid wingback.
Wherever he plays, Gómez will not be a day-one starter for the Seagulls. His six yellow cards in just 14 MLS matches is a clear sign that he struggles with positioning. This will be an even bigger issue in the Premier League.
Once he beds in though, Gómez could very easily be competing for a starting midfield spot alongside fellow youngster Carlos Baleba or Scotland international Billy Gilmour.
