Sunderland have agreed a deal of £10m plus add-ons to sell Tommy Watson to Brighton this summer, it has been confirmed.
Sunderland have a long summer ahead of them as sides across Europe circle around their young squad. After such a good campaign from SAFC, it is inevitable that offers come in for some of their star players.
With just over a month remaining in this season though, the Black Cats have already agreed a deal to sell Tommy Watson to Premier League side Brighton. That deal fell through in January, but Watson wanted the move.
SAFC - Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris
Image courtesy of: JOHN SIBLEY/REUTERS.
The club announced that deal as an undisclosed fee but it has already been revealed. The Sunderland Echo are reporting that the deal for at least £10m and will also include add-ons.
Importantly for SAFC, they also have managed to secure a sell-on clause in the region of 20% with Brighton. Considering Watson’s age and potential, that could end up being a huge windfall for Sunderland in the future.
Watson has signed a deal that runs until 2029 with the Premier League side.
An inevitable move
This deal being announced brings to an end a transfer saga that lasted two transfer windows. Brighton had initially made a move last summer to sign the talented youngster.
However, the real push came in January when the deal was very close to being agreed on deadline day. A package offer of £13m was rejected by Sunderland and there were discussions for a Simon Adingra loan to be involved, but it fell through.
ADVERTISEMENT
SAFC - Sunderland's Stadium of Light
Image courtesy of: CARL RECINE/REUTERS.
It is unlikely that Watson is the only major sale on Wearside this summer. However, this is a move that felt bound to happen with his contract expiring in 2026.
Bodes well for the summer
No side wants to see their club sell their star players but sometimes it’s part of the parcel of the game. However, for Sunderland, this sale is a good sign ahead of the summer.
SAFC have some of the most highly sought-after youngsters in Europe in Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham. Considering they have managed to secure over £10m for Watson, who only had another year left on his deal, they are in a great spot to negotiate over Rigg and Bellingham.
ADVERTISEMENT
Bellingham is under contract until 2028 and Rigg until 2027. If Sunderland do sell those two, they are going to receive huge fees which can be invested in their already strong squad.
For more Black Cats news direct to your phone, CLICK HERE to download our mobile app!