One of Brighton’s brightest young talents has not been picked in the matchday squad to face Everton, as he looks to seal a loan move away from the club.
Watson, 19, moved to the Seagulls last summer for around £10m from Sunderland on contract until June 2029.
Appearances have though been sparse this season with just 56 minutes of action in the Premier League and one minute in the FA Cup.
Derby and Millwall are said to be keen on former Sunderland man Tommy Watson. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)placeholder image
Derby and Millwall are said to be keen on former Sunderland man Tommy Watson. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
His best outings arrived earlier this season in the Carabao Cup as he scored a cracking goal from the bench in the 6-0 win at Oxford United and then claimed a hat-trick of assists in the next round at Barnsley.
“But I think regarding him the most important is that he gets back into his rhythm regarding his availability because again the last week he couldn't train regularly.
“He missed some sessions and I think that's the worst thing that can happen to a young player to not get into a rhythm, to not be on training pitch, to not train with the boys, to not have the opportunity to improve himself and to show himself.
“So therefore I think the main thing for him is getting into rhythm and then like I just mentioned we have to make the right decision for the club and the player.”
Meanwhile, Diego Coppola has joined Paris FC on loan until the end of the season.
Head coach Hurzeler said: “We're really pleased with how Diego has settled in and adapted to the demands of playing in England since coming to the club last summer.
"His attitude has been outstanding, and he now has an opportunity to be playing regularly in France before we welcome him back in the summer.
"By getting more game time this will benefit his development, and give him the best possible chance of helping Italy reach the World Cup finals and be part of that."
Diego joined Albion from Hellas Verona in June 2025 and has made nine appearances this season.
The 22-year-old will be keen for regular football ahead of the World Cup this summer, if Italy qualify.
Mats Wieffer is still out with a toe injury, whilst Stefanos Tzimas and Adam Webster remain long-term absentees. Solly March, meanwhile, is said to be making good progress in training after persistent knee issues but Everton arrived too soon.
Yankuna Minteh and Brajan Gruda, who have been recovering from a dead leg and ‘small issue’ respectively’, are only fit enough for the bench.
Also among the substitutes is Igor Julip. The Brazilian defender has returned from his loan spell at West Ham.
Brighton will hope to kick-start their season against David Moyes’ side. The Seagulls have slipped to 12th in the Premier League after last Saturday's painful 2-1 loss at Fulham.
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