## Brighton on Verge of Malick Yalcouyé Deal## Brighton on Verge of Malick Yalcouyé Deal According to Swedish media outlets, Brighton & Hove Albion have agreed on a transfer with IFK Göteborg for 18-year-old midfielder Malick Yalcouyé. While personal terms with the player remain unsettled, the Seagulls have reportedly outbid competition for his services. Yalcouyé’s potential departure was hinted at before Gothenburg’s match against IFK Värnamo. Manager Stefan Billborn confirmed that the player left training early, acknowledging the possibility of an impending move. “Yes, that is very possible,” Billborn said. “But you never know, it could be that the papers are torn and then it will be 90 minutes on Sunday.” Brighton is reportedly paying a record-breaking SEK 102 million (€9 million) plus bonuses for Yalcouyé, a significant investment for the Swedish club. “The market decides,” said Billborn. “Position, market, age… You have to realize that these clubs buy on speculation.” Gothenburg technical director Ola Larsson declined to comment on the reasons for Yalcouyé’s early departure from training. Yalcouyé has made 14 appearances for Gothenburg since joining from ASEC Mimosas in Ivory Coast earlier this year. His potential move to Brighton would mark a significant step up in his career and a testament to his promising talent.
On Friday, Expressen reported that Brighton & Hove Albion have managed to beat off competition and strike a deal with IFK Göteborg for Malick Yalcouyé. It was also reported that the Seagulls are yet to settle personal terms with the player.
Later that day, Fotbollskanalen stated that the 18-year-old had left training early, suggesting his move to Brighton was imminent.
The Swedish club play IFK Värnamo on Sunday. During the pre-match press conference, Gothenburg manager Stefan Billborn was asked about the midfielder leaving training early, and his comments are reported by Expressen.
When further asked if this had anything to do with his upcoming move, Billborn explained: “Yes, that is very possible. He could have played. But you never know, it could be that the papers are torn and then it will be 90 minutes on Sunday.”
According to the outlet, Brighton have signed a deal with Gothenburg worth SEK 102 million (€9 million) plus bonuses, a record amount for the Swedish club.
On the price tag the manager said: “The market decides. Position, market, age… You have to realize that these clubs buy on speculation. If there is no other option, it is good for the treasury here. That is actually the only thing, we are going to build a club here and then we need some money.”
Gothenburg technical director Ola Larsson declined to comment on why Yalcouyé stopped training early on Friday.
“Of course I have no comment on anything. You understand that. I can’t say anything about it,” Larsson was quoted by Expressen.
The player has made 14 appearances for Gothenburg since joining from Ivory Coast’s ASEC Mimosas at the beginning of this year.
