At a glance
- Brighton could soon have another recruitment call to make
- The goalkeeper department may become one to watch this summer
- Premier League interest is growing around a young European option
Brighton’s summer transfer planning could involve another interesting squad-building call as attention grows around the goalkeeper market.
Bart Verbruggen remains the clear senior option after arriving from Anderlecht on a deal running until June 2028.
Jason Steele, on the other hand, gives Albion an experienced option behind Verbruggen. However, the picture beneath is not completely simple.
Carl Rushworth spent another season away from the Amex, and reports suggest that Brighton could face a decision over his future.
James Beadle is another young option who was also on loan this season. The Seagulls aren’t lacking young options, but that doesn’t stop them from entering the market for talented youngsters.
Brighton Set To Battle Newcastle For Ewen Jaouen
According to L’Équipe, Brighton, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are all in the race to sign Reims goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen this summer.
The report claims that the 20-year-old is attracting Premier League interest after impressing in Ligue 2. The French club expects £13m to £17m for the Paris native.
Jaouen’s current contract runs until June 2029, following his recent extension in April this year. There is no publicly cited release clause in his contract; hence, control remains with Reim regarding the valuation.
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Jaouen Numbers Explain Why Brighton May Be Watching
Jaouen’s numbers make it easy to understand why the Premier League is starting to look at him. The headline figure is his clean-sheet record.
At 20, the goalkeeper has kept 15 clean sheets in Ligue 2, the highest of any goalkeeper in the league. Jaouen also has a save percentage of roughly 68.3% in 33 league matches.
Furthermore, the Frenchman has saved one out of four penalties this season. A penalty save rate of 25% puts him in the top 15.8% of the league. On average, Jaouen has also conceded less than a goal (0.97) per 90.
Brighton’s Goalkeeper Situation
Bart Verbruggen has continued a strong season overall despite making four errors directly leading to a goal. The Dutchman has made 99 saves this season while having a save percentage of 70.2%.
He has also prevented +2.93 goals, suggesting that the goalkeeper has saved more than expected based on shot quality.
However, the second-choice goalkeeper, Jason Steele, is already 35, and the Englishman is definitely not the future of the position.
Carl Rushworth’s future remains uncertain, and if Brighton decide to sell him, they’ll need to find an upcoming talent between the posts.
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