Brighton looking to pull off huge transfer coup by signing World Cup winner

Brighton and Hove Albion have been linked with a proposed move for an experienced 35-year-old defender

Brighton and Hove Albion have been linked with a stunning transfer move for a former World Cup winner.

The Seagulls lost former coach Roberto De Zerbi to Marseille in the summer, with German Fabian Hurzeler soon installed as his replacement. Brighton finished 11th last season, winning just one of their last 10 Premier League matches.

According to reports from Sky Germany, Brighton have made an official attempt to bring former Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels to the club. The German international is still considering his options and is yet to rule out retiring from the game altogether this summer.

Fellow Premier League outfit West Ham United are also said to be interested in Hummels who played a whopping 40 times for Dortmund last season. He scored four goals and played every minute of their UEFA Champions League campaign which eventually ended in a final defeat against Real Madrid.

“I have no idea what will happen to me in July,” said Hummels earlier this year. “I like the situation, but it also feels a bit strange. It feels strange not knowing. Everything will be decided in the next few weeks. Today the disappointment of losing the final outweighs everything.”

Transfermarkt values the German at just €5million ($4.2million) and we here at FourFourTwo feel the centre-back would be a superb pickup for the Seagulls this window. Lewis Dunk would help provide cover alongside him but Hummels’ vast know-how of the game could only benefit Brighton defensively overall.