Brighton’s Premier League preparations continue with Hertha ace
Published:
With a first foray into the Premier League awaiting them next season, Brighton & Hove Albion face a crucial summer in the transfer market.
And the latest reports claim Chris Hughton’s side are to make a move for Hertha Berlin star Genki Haraguchi.
According to German publication Kicker, the Japanese ace has been in talks with the East Sussex club over a summer swoop.
The winger has been with Hertha since 2014, but his contract in the German capital expires next summer.
And valued at just £2.55m by transfermarkt.co.uk, Brighton won’t need to break the bank to win his signature.
Haraguchi made 31 appearances in the Bundesliga this season, helping Hertha finish a very respectable sixth.
Brighton fans won’t be too enthused by his record of one goal and two assists, but that’s more of a reflection of the club’s style of play rather than the Japanese’s ability.
Despite finishing in that lofty sixth place, Hertha were 13th when it came to goals scored this season.
In six years with his native Urawa Reds Diamonds, Karaguchi proved he certainly knows where the goal is, netting 33 times in addition to 22 assists.
He’s proven effective on international duty too, firing in six times from 22 appearances for Japan.
And despite being only 26-years-old, the forward will be bringing an ideal combination of experience and versatility to the Amex.
Haraguchi boasts almost 300 first-team appearances, including 84 in the Bundesliga.
And his ability to play on either wing or through the middle will offer Hughton vital options when it comes to ensuring Brighton can survive next term.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
