3 potential replacements for Leandro Trossard at Brighton

Leandro Trossard leaving Brighton is now official, so the search for a replacement is officially on for the Seagulls.

Brighton Hove & Albion have now lost a key player in Leandro Trossard, leaving the club on a sour note. There’s no rest for the wicked, though, as Brighton needs to now search for a replacement for their leading goalscorer in the Premier League.

When Fabrizio Romando gives the “Here we go”, you know the deal is all but signed and sealed. The player had already agreed to personal terms before Brighton had reached an agreement for Trossard, but it is now understood Trossard will be joining Arsenal and Arteta’s process for a fee in the region of £20 million, with add-ons possibly taking the fee to £27 million. All things considered in this current market, in January, this is a great piece of business for Arsenal, and a decent job by Brighton to recoup some money for a player who has recently fallen out with manager Roberto De Zerbi.

Now, let’s look at some potential replacements for Leandro Trossard:

1.) Valentin “Taty” Castellanos (Girona)

Valentin Castellanos, currently playing for La Liga side Girona on loan from MLS side New York City FC, has already been eyed up by Brighton. Looking to improve their forward line, Castellanos could be a great get for the south shore club. While in the MLS, Castellanos scored 59 goals in 134 games for NYCFC, helping his club to lift the MLS Cup in 2021. A veteran arrival such as Valentin Castellanos would be a welcome addition to a club with limited options as a true striker up top. However, due to his position, this may not be a like-for-like replacement, instead bolstering attacking options as a whole.

2.) Mohammed Kudus (Ajax) 

This is a bold option, possibly unattainable, but let’s dream. Kudus was a breakout performer at the World Cup in Qatar, and thanks to his performances a move to the Premier League has already previously been discussed in some light. Ultimately for Ajax, it will come down to price, which will likely be hiked up a bit higher thanks to there being little time to search for a replacement. However, from a Brighton perspective, it’s hard to deny what an incredible job Ajax does as a club in fostering and developing talent. There would be a risk, as with any transfer, but this is a player who can offer a lot going forward. He finds space well, has great pace, can take on defenders, and has an overall progressive play about his game.

With the way Ajax negotiates, this unfortunately might be an effort best made over the summer.

3.) Nicolo Zaniolo 

AS Roma’s Nicolo Zaniolo could prove another viable option. Zaniolo plays more of an attacking midfielder in Roma’s team, but Brighton could surely have him play in a wide midfield position as well. At just £35 million for such a promising young player, this could be a great investment for a club well-versed in developing talent in Brighton. The Seagulls will have to act fast if this is the man they decide on, as Tottenham has long been an admirer of Zaniolo and has shown great interest in bringing him to Spurs.

Who do you think Brighton should go after to replace Leandro Trossard?