Brighton make transfer ‘virtually impossible’ – ‘Vehemently opposed’ club’s attempt

It is ‘virtually impossible’ for RB Leipzig to sign Brajan Gruda from Brighton and Hove Albion in the summer, after the Seagulls blocked the idea.

That’s according to SportBILD. The German newspaper explains why Leipzig can’t sign the 21-year-old on a permanent basis when his loan deal ends.

Gruda was a surprise departure from Brighton at the end of the January transfer window. He joined Leipzig on loan until the end of the season to secure regular playing time after failing to make an impact at the Amex.

He’s been open about the move too, admitting he’s made it in hopes of securing a place in Germany’s squad for the World Cup. That, at the moment, does not look likely. But he is hoping that he can put himself in the spotlight in Germany more than he was at Brighton.

Unlike most loan deals these days; this move does not include a purchase option. And according to SportBILD, that was down to Brighton.

They report that it is ‘virtually impossible’ for Leipzig to sign Gruda permanently. Brighton strongly opposed the inclusion of an option in the loan deal.

That is troublesome for Leipzig. If Gruda proves to be a success, he will be unaffordable and he’s more likely to move to a top club. If he fails to impress, Leipzig will have no interest in a longer‑term deal.

Gruda wants to play for Liverpool

Gruda would certainly not be against a move to a big club in the near future. Sport Witness already covered comments from him about his desire to play for Liverpool. He has previously rejected an approach from Bayern Munich.

He’s yet to prove himself worthy of any interest, though. His first season at Brighton was marred by injury, with four assists and one goal in 21 games overall. This season he’d managed just one goal and one assist in 18 games.

Those are hardly scintillating numbers, to say the least. He’ll certainly have to rip up trees at Leipzig if anyone is to come calling this summer. Brighton may be hopeful of that happening too, as they either get a better player back or secure themselves a big sale.

If that does happen, the idea to block a purchase clause may prove to be a smart one.