Home » EPL » Forget it Hughton – Brighton would be better off avoiding this Turkish star in the summer and here’s why

Forget it Hughton – Brighton would be better off avoiding this Turkish star in the summer and here’s why

Brighton opinion: Should the Seagulls sign Oğuzhan Özyakup?

According to Turkish media outlet Fanatik, Brighton are interested in signing Besiktas Oğuzhan Özyakup. The midfielder’s representatives are said to have contacted the Seagulls as well as Dutch giants Ajax but should Brighton make a move for the Turk this summer?

Özyakup was previously a part of Arsenal’s youth team but he failed to make a single senior league appearance for the Gunners during his time there. However, the 26-year old won back to back Premier Academy League awards and also the FA youth cup.

After not being able to impress Arsene Wenger to get a first-team role, Özyakup joined Turkish side Besiktas and has been an integral part of the Black and Whites, having played close to 250 games for them so far.

However, one of Brighton’s biggest strengths in their time so far in the Premier League has been their midfield.

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The likes of Dale Stephens, Davy Propper and Pascal Gross have cemented their place in the middle of the park, thanks to their fantastic performances throughout the season.

Summer signing Yves Bissouma is also settling in well at the Amex and Brighton don’t really need another midfielder in the ranks, especially one like Özyakup whose abilities are highly limited for the modern game.

Although Özyakup has played as a box-to-box midfielder a number of times in his career, the 26-year-old’s best can only be achieved in a number 10 role.

His strengths are utilised to its fullest when he sees much of the ball but with Brighton, Özyakup’s impact will be limited due to their lack of possession against most teams.

Özyakup has also lost his form and the manager’s trust in the Super Lig after starting just once in his last 15 games despite starting 8 of their first 10 games.

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A player who has failed to impress in the Turkish top-flight will have a mountain to climb if he were to have any reasonable impact in a league as tough as the Premier League.

Another area where Özyakup would massively struggle is the physicality of the Premier League. The Turkish international is fairly lightweight and is often seen being bullied off the ball against teams in European competitions.

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Conclusion

Brighton should stay away from making a move for Oğuzhan Özyakup and should look to invest the same money on other areas of the pitch. The Seagulls already have better midfielders in their ranks and the addition of the Turk will not make any difference to their squad.