At a glance
- Watson expected to leave Brighton on loan again
- Just six Premier League appearances this season
- Championship and Porto interest emerging
Tommy Watson is expected to be made available for another loan move this summer after a challenging first season at Brighton & Hove Albion, with several Championship clubs already monitoring his situation.
According to Sky Sports, the 20-year-old winger could leave on a temporary deal again in search of regular first-team football, just a year after arriving on the south coast in a deal worth £10 million following his breakthrough at Sunderland.
Watson famously wrote his name into Sunderland folklore last season, coming off the bench to score a stoppage-time winner in the Championship play-off final at Wembley against Sheffield United, a goal that sealed Premier League promotion for the Black Cats.
That moment accelerated Brighton’s move for the forward, who was seen as a long-term development signing with high upside potential. However, his transition into Premier League football has been gradual.
Loan exit planned after limited minutes
Watson has made just six substitute appearances in the top flight since joining Brighton and was later sent on loan to Millwall FC, where he gained further experience during the second half of the 2025/26 campaign. Before that move, he had scored on his Brighton debut in a 6-0 Carabao Cup win over Oxford United, briefly hinting at a quicker breakthrough.
Despite that early promise, opportunities at senior level have remained limited, with Brighton prioritising established options during a competitive season under Fabian Hurzeler.
Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has now reported that Watson is expected to be loaned out again, with interest building quickly from across the Championship.
Next loan move key for development
Birmingham City are among the sides tracking the situation closely, as they look to strengthen their attacking options ahead of a push for a top-half finish next season. However, they are not alone in the race, with multiple second-tier clubs also considering a move.
There is also reported interest from abroad, including Portuguese giants FC Porto, underlining the growing attention around the young forward despite his limited minutes at Brighton.
Watson made 12 Championship appearances during his previous loan spell, including two starts, as he helped his temporary side reach the play-off semi-finals before elimination.
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Brighton move not yet paying off
Brighton are understood to still view him as part of their long-term project, but believe another loan is the most effective route for his development, ensuring consistent minutes at a key stage of his career.
The focus for now is on securing a move that guarantees regular football, with a decision expected to be made once pre-season plans are finalised.
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