Two Players Brighton Should Sign In January To Upgrade The Squad
Brighton & Hove Albion are having a bit of a dream start to life in the Premier League. Things did not begin all that well for Chris Hughton’s men, but good run of form in recent games means they find themselves in a highly impressive 8th position in the league table, heading into the international break.
The Seagulls have collected 8 points from their last four league games, registering wins against West Ham United and Swansea City, and drawing against Everton and Southampton. The fans will be delighted with how things stand after close to a third of the season having been played out.
However, things will only get tougher from here on and Brighton will need to step it up a notch if they are to keep their level of performances and continue fighting for a spot in the top half of the table. While the likes of Glenn Murray, Pascal Gross have all been brilliant for the Seagulls, a couple of more players coming through the gates come the January window would help them in staking a stronger claim for a spot in the top-ten.
And here we look at the two players who could help the Seagulls achieve that.
Karl Toko Ekambi (Angers)
The 25-year old striker was a subject of interest from the Seagulls in the summer, but a move did not materialise. However, given the form that the player has been able to showcase in the Ligue 1, they should look to test the waters once again this January.
Ekambi, capable of playing as a forward and on the left flank, has already netted 5 goals this term and also registered 3 assists in 11 Ligue 1 appearances, despite his side languishing at 14th position in the French top-flight.
A brilliant dribbler and finisher of the ball, the Cameroonian forward is tall, strong and athletic as well, and would fit the Premier League easily. With the Seagulls currently being heavily reliant on Murray and Gross in the attack, another source of goals in the form of Ekambi could prove to be a clincher for them.
Afriyie Acquah (Torino)
The 25-year old Torino midfielder has been linked with a move to the AmEx Stadium of late and it would prove to be a good piece of business if they could get him signed up in January.
Acquah is primarily a central midfielder who brings in a lot of energy and drive to the team in the centre of the pitch. A very good dribbler of the ball, the Ghanaian is someone who will help effect the transitions from defence to attack with his pace, while also being aware of his defensive responsibilities. Physically robust and strong in the air, he will add more strength and muscle to the side as well.
This term, Acquah has featured only 7 times for the Italians and a chance of regular playing time could tempt him to consider a move. With Dale Stephens and Davy Propper being the preferred options in the midfield and given Beram Kayal and Steve Sidwell’s injury issues, a new body in the midfield, in the form of Acquah, could prove to be an important addition.