Brighton have spent the 2024 summer transfer window adding to their stable of wonderkids by signing Newcastle’s Yankuba Minteh, Feyenoord’s Mats Wieffer, and Malick Yalcouye from IFK Goteborg.
With so much talent at the club now, Brighton could be set to lose one of their most important young players from last season.
Multiple reports claim that Marseille are interested in signing Brighton wonderkid Simon Adingra. Roberto De Zerbi was impressed by the Ivorian during his time on the South Coast.
Adingra had 7 goals and 3 assists in all competitions for the Seagulls last season. He also starred for his country at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. The 22-year-old was one of Ivory Coast’s best players down the stretch and played a key role for Les Éléphants as they won their third AFCON.
For the Ivory Coast, Adingra played in his natural left winger position. However, for Brighton he played most of the season out of position as right winger or right wing back after starter Solly March suffered a season-ending injury in October.
When he did get to play left winger for Brighton after Kaoru Mitoma suffered his own season-ended injury, Adingra did not shine. If healthy, Mitoma should get the majority of minutes at left wing.
If Mitoma goes down again, Brighton now have a lot more options to replace him. Ibrahim Osman, Julio Enciso, Jeremy Sarmiento, João Pedro, and even Valentín Barco can play left winger for the Seagulls.
These reasons are why many Brighton fans would be willing to let him go this season. For the right price at least. What is that price? We don’t know.
Most reports haven’t given any concrete numbers. Given Brighton’s financial security and Adingra’s potential, the Seagulls could very easily price Adingra out of the move.
Beyond the price, Marseille are also considering other winger options. Mason Greenwood is reportedly the club’s first option. If they cannot sign Greenwood from Manchester United, then they will turn to Adingra.
