Graham Potter’s Brighton could no longer hold on to key midfielder Yves Bissouma this summer after the Malian headed north to the capital in a move to Antonio Conte’s Tottenham project, but the Seagulls could move smartly as they have begun talks over a potential deal for Austrian international Florian Grillitsch.
Reports from The Telegraphs Mike McGrath have confirmed that Brighton is looking to steal a march over some big names across Europe for the services of the 26-year-old versatile midfielder after his contract ran down after the 2021-22 Bundesliga campaign.
Brighton are in talks over an audacious move for Austria midfielder Florian Grillitsch as a free agent from under the noses of top European clubs. #Arsenal had looked at the 26yr-old after his #TSG Hoffenheim contract expired #BHAFC @TeleFootball
— Mike McGrath (@mcgrathmike) July 21, 2022
Grillitsch has been a key performer during his spells with both Werder Bremen as well as TSG 1899 Hoffenheim after arriving from Germany in 2013 from Austrian outfit SKN St. Pölten.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal was one of a cadre of big clubs said to hold concrete interest in Grillitsch, but Potter’s Brighton could have a transfer coup on their hands and a versatile replacement for Bissouma as the Seagulls continue to shop smartly from summer to summer.
Unnamed Premier League club currently in running to sign Austrian international midfielder Florian Grillitsch, who is a free agent following expiry of Hoffenheim deal. Official offer tabled & under consideration. Galatasaray & Besiktas also in mix after Fiorentina move collapsed.
— Ryan Taylor (@RyanTaylorSport) July 20, 2022
Capable of being deployed in five different positions, the Grillitsch has earned 33-caps for his country and his tactical versatility combined with his technical quality and powerful engine room made him one of the standout performers in Sinsheim over the last five seasons.
Additionally, Grillitsch has seen considerable time in systems that both utilized a back four and a back three deployment with various different tasking in midfield as well as center-back.
Credit can certainly be owed to Brighton for the way they have added quality on the south coast in the last three summer transfer windows.
Deals for Union St.Gilloise hot shot Denis Undav, RB Salzburg’s Enock Mwepu, Getafe’s Marc Cucurella, Polish youngster Kacper Kozlowski, Lech Poznan’s Jakub Moder, and Ivorian starlet Simon Adingra have been appropriately heralded, and should a move for Grillitsch materialize, the club’s knack for finding quality at an affordable price could be a breath of fresh air in the age of seemingly unlimited spending.
