Forget it Hughton – Brighton are better off without signing this 23-year-old Serbian star

Forget it Hughton – Brighton are better off without signing Aleksandar Mitrovic

Brighton & Hove Albion are reportedly lining up a January move for Newcastle United attacker Aleksandar Mitrovic. He has attracted attention from quite a few Premier League clubs in the ongoing window but Chris Hughton is understood to be quite keen on acquiring his signature. In fact, the report also goes on to state that they have tabled an initial bid for the striker but it remains to be seen if that is enough to tempt the Magpies into selling the 23-year-old.

The striker has not made a single start in the league this season so far, which was largely due to the back injury he has been suffering from. He has returned to training but it might be a while before he secures regular game time at Newcastle. He has failed to cement himself in Rafa Benitez’s squad, thus leading to further speculation that he could have one foot out of the club this month.

In order to secure a place for himself in the Serbian team ahead of the upcoming World Cup this year, Mitrovic is likely to be open to the idea of jumping ship and joining Brighton. However, will the Seagulls benefit by including him in their squad?

Currently sitting at 16th spot in the league standings, Brighton are merely one point ahead of the drop zone. The level of competition among the mid-table clubs have only increased this season and that means Hughton’s men will have to be in top-notch form in the days to come.

To be fair, the club did start on a strong note but their performances fizzled out as days progressed. If they are to preserve their top-flight status and perhaps even finish as strongly as they started, they will need reinforcements.

However, one must note that they have already indulged in a £16million deal to sign Jurgen Locadia from PSV Eindhoven. In addition to that, Brighton have the likes of Tomer Hemed and Glenn Murray as other options. The manager might be eyeing Mitrovic as a backup option to boost squad depth but that will not work out for anybody.

The Serbian attacker is in dire need of regular game time but if Hughton already has 3 strikers at hand, it is highly unlikely that Mitrovic will receive better starting opportunities with Brighton.

Also, his form has not been convincing either. He can be lethal when in form but signing him might prove to be a risky endeavour for the club when they are set to engage in a battle for survival. Hence, avoiding him at this point might be the best move for Hughton.