Brighton & Hove Albion seem to suddenly be taking the lead in the race for Fiorentina defender Igor.
The centre-back has been linked with several clubs this year, with the likes of Fulham, Brentford and Leeds United all said to be interested in him as well.
It turns out that as outlet Fiorentina News today features the quotes from journalist Enzo Bucchioni on Radio Bruno, it’s said it’s actually Brighton who are now moving for the signing.
The reporter claimed that there are already talks going on for the move, and the Seagulls may actually take an advantage from Fulham’s unsuccessful attempt.
“Brighton are on Igor, we are in open negotiations, the intermediaries are at work,” said Enzo Bucchioni.
“Fiorentina want €20m and Fulham’s offer was too low.”
The interest thing is that Brighton’s interest in Igor had actually been revealed in January, but in the past few weeks, the Italian media had only been focusing on Fulham’s interest in the player.
The Craven Cottage side, though, are finding big difficulty in matching Fiorentina’s request for the transfer, and seem unlikely to do it.
So depending on how strong Brighton move, they may find an open path for the summer signing.
Born in Southampton, Colwill has been in the Chelsea academy since under-9 level. At 6’2”, he lines up with the expected stature of a traditional centre-back, and has the technical quality and passing ability to thrive in a modern interpretation of the role.
According to FBRef, Colwill’s playing style makes him easily comparable with Virgil van Dijk. He even compares favourably with the Liverpool lynchpin in terms of progressive actions on the ball. Colwill averages 5.16 progressive passes and 1.18 progressive carries per match, whereas van Dijk’s respective figures are 4.05 and 0.38. Of course, this isn’t to say that Colwill is already a better player than the Dutchman, but it does serve to illustrate his dynamism and attacking instincts on the ball, which would be allowed to flourish in De Zerbi’s system. These numbers also explain why Liverpool seem to have earmarked Colwill as van Dijk’s heir and are willing to fight for his signature.
