Brighton & Hove Albion given sensational transfer boost ahead of Newcastle United clash

Brighton and Hove Albion are set to complete a major transfer swoop ahead of Saturday evening’s Premier League clash against Newcastle United.

The Seagulls have agreed a deal with Barcelona to sign 20-year-old sensation Ansu Fati on loan for the 2023-24 campaign. Fati is due on the South Coast today to undergo his medical and finalise his move.

If the deal - a straight loan with no obligation to buy - goes through as planned, it would be a major coup for Roberto De Zerbi’s side with Fati regarded as one of the most promising youngsters in Europe.

After making his debut as a 16-year-old in 2019, Fati put pen to paper on a new contract with Barca two years later, which runs until 2027 and has a buyout clause of £1billion.

He scored seven goals in 36 appearances to help Barca lift the La Liga title last season, however, has fallen down the pecking order.

Fati’s father Bori has been pushing for him to leave and despite interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, he has opted for Brighton. Spurs held talks over Fati but with their foreign quota already stretched, they have Nottingham Forest’s Brennan Johnson in their sights.

Brighton must register Fati with the Premier League before 12pm on Friday in order to have him available to face Newcastle at the Amex Stadium on Saturday night (kick-off 5:30pm).

De Zerbi’s men are hoping to bounce back from last weekend’s 3-1 defeat at home defeat to West Ham United, while Newcastle are looking to do the same after surrendering a 1-0 lead to lose to 10-man Liverpool.