Brighton Opinion: Why the Seagulls should snap up Nick Powell this summer
Brighton were linked with trying to bring Wigan Athletic playmaker Nick Powell to the Amex on a pre-contract deal back in January.
Brighton’s loss of form has left them 15th in the table, just five points above the drop zone. The Seagulls will need positive results in the last nine games of their season if they are to avoid relegation.
Considering Huddersfield Town and Fulham have a little chance to stay in the Premier League, Chris Hughton’s side will be very much safe if they pick up a couple of wins on the road.
Even though chances of Brighton playing in the Premier League are high, Hughton would have got a clear idea of how much work needs to be done to the squad over the summer.
It has become increasingly difficult to argue with the suggestion that the Sea Coast side are very much dependent on Glenn Murray and Anthony Knockaert for goals and moments of creativity, particularly when things are not going the team’s way.
And while there may be more problems to address—such as strengthening the defence for next season—Brighton simply has to be prioritizing signing a new attacking option who can consistently deliver the goods in the final third.
To put things plainly, Hughton should reignite his interest in Nick Powell and snap him up in the summer on a potential free transfer.
Powell has endured an injury-hit campaign in the Championship with Wigan, yet he has scored six goals and assisted as many times in 24 league games. He bagged 15 goals last term in the League One as he inspired Wigan to the second-tier.
The 24-year-old can play almost anywhere in attacking areas – even up front – but can be particularly dangerous when deployed in a central attacking midfielder role. He is a technically-gifted player that can use his vision to create chances in the final third as well as put finishing touches to a move.
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The former England U21 international boasts of technical skills and natural athleticism and his versatility and selfless nature make him one of the exciting players in the Championship.
Verdict
Powell’s contract at the DW Stadium expires at the end of the 2018/19 season and he’ll represent a big coup for Brighton on a free transfer.
He is an intelligent attacker who offers goals and assists and if Brighton can help the ex-Manchester United man fulfill his potential, then he could become a hero at the Amex.
