Brighton Enters Competition for Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters Alongside Fulham and West Ham
Brighton & Hove Albion have now joined Fulham and West Ham United in the pursuit of Southampton full-back Kyle Walker-Peters, who is set to become a free agent at the end of the month.
Walker-Peters is one of the most notable names likely to leave St. Mary’s this summer, but unlike several of his teammates, Southampton will not receive a transfer fee for his departure. The 28-year-old’s contract is due to expire soon, making him free to choose his next destination without a transfer cost. His exit will conclude a five-year stint with the Saints, during which he earned his first England cap in 2022.
Interest in Walker-Peters isn’t new. Even before and after Southampton’s relegation and subsequent promotion back to the Premier League, clubs such as his former team, Tottenham Hotspur, were linked with the defender. Despite past rumors, a move never materialized.
Now, with his contract winding down and no transfer fee involved, Premier League clubs are lining up. While Fulham and West Ham have been monitoring him for some time—talkSPORT reports that the Hammers have even submitted a contract offer—Brighton is the latest side to express serious interest, according to Sky Sports.
Walker-Peters’ versatility adds to his appeal. Able to play both right and left back with ease, he’s a valuable asset for any side needing flexibility in defense. Last season, he started 33 games and was a consistent standout performer in a struggling Southampton squad. For a player of his quality and adaptability, the fact that there is no fee attached makes him an even more desirable signing.
Meanwhile, Southampton are bracing for another summer of significant player turnover. The club expects to generate major funds from sales, similar to the £145 million they brought in during the 2023 summer following relegation. This time, chairman Dragan Solak is reportedly targeting around £100 million through player departures, with Tyler Dibling, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, and Aaron Ramsdale among those potentially on the move.
The Saints have already been linked to replacements for Walker-Peters. One potential option is Scottish full-back Max Johnston, currently playing for Austrian club Sturm Graz. Southampton would reportedly need to spend about £3 million to secure his services.
On a more positive note for the South Coast club, midfielder Mateus Fernandes has shown intent to return to St. Mary’s next season, expressing a desire to help the team improve upon what was a challenging first campaign in English football.
Given his experience, skill set, and free-agent status, it’s no surprise that interest in Walker-Peters continues to rise. Any Premier League side outside of the traditional top six could benefit from his signing. His ability to cover both flanks with equal effectiveness is rare, and his consistent performances for Southampton show he’s more than capable of being a starter in England’s top flight.
As the summer window approaches, the race for his signature will likely intensify, and Brighton’s late entry could shake things up among the interested clubs.
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