Who is Jose Cifuentes and Which Team in the Premier League Suits Him?

Los Angeles FC midfielder Jose Cifuentes has been linked to a number of Premier League clubs including Brighton, Newcastle, and Leeds.

The Sun has reported that:

"LEEDS and Newcastle are making hurried checks on Los Angeles FC’s Ecuadorian star Jose Cifuentes.The pair have been tipped off that Brighton are trying to do a £6million swoop for the MLS-based midfielder.Cifuentes, 23, missed out on a Prem move two years ago but now qualifies for a work permit as a full international."

Cifuentes’ career so far

Cifuentes was born in Ecuador and started in his homeland at Universidad Católica. He made six appearances for the club before joining fellow Ecuadorian side, América de Quito. Here he played 19 times, scoring once and earning a move to America.

He joined LAFC in 2019 and has scored 13 goals and made 15 assists in 84 games for the club. This season he has been a teammate of Gareth Bale and Giorgio Chiellini.

Cifuentes has eight caps for Ecuador and helped them qualify for the World Cup this year. They are in a group alongside the hosts Qatar, Senegal, and the Netherlands.

The midfielder can play anywhere in the centre of the pitch be that in central midfield or in an attacking or defensive role.

Should he join Brighton?

Graham Potter’s Brighton has made a great start to the season, beating Manchester United and West Ham, whilst drawing with Newcastle. Playing under Potter would be an attractive option for Cifuentes.

He would feel at home at the club as they already have fellow Ecuadorians in Jeremy Sarmiento, Moisés Caicedo, and Pervis Estupiñán.

Brighton is a good club to be at if he has ambitions to play for a team that challenges further up the table, with the Seagulls producing players such as Ben White who joined Arsenal, Yves Bissouma who moved to Tottenham Hotspur, and Marc Cucurella who recently signed for Chelsea.

The South Coast side needs to strengthen their midfield following Bissouma’s departure and Cifuentes could be that man.

What about Newcastle?

Newcastle is also enjoying a good start to the season and was involved in a dramatic 3-3 draw with Manchester City on Sunday, Matchday 3 of the Premier League.

Following last year’s takeover from the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia ambitions are high at the club and it would be an exciting project to be a part of for Cifuentes.

He would be up against the likes of Joe Willock, Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton for a starting place, which will be a tough battle for places in the middle of the pitch. This is something to consider as he needs regular game time ahead of the World Cup.

Or would Leeds United be a better option?

Leeds is another side who has done very well, They remain unbeaten so far this season. Under Jesse Marsch, they beat Chelsea 3-0 yesterday.

Marsh being an American himself would understand what it will be like for Cifuentes moving from MLS to the Premier league.

The Yorkshire side let Kalvin Philips join Manchester City this summer, so Cifuentes would be a replacement for him in midfield.