CFR Cluj forward Philip Otele has been linked with a move away to Brighton and Hove Albion ahead of the summer transfer window.
During his teenage years, Philip Otele, 24, trained with the Arsenal youth team but could not stay in the UK due to visa reservations. The Nigerian earned his first professional contract at Kauno Zalgiris in Lithuania back in 2019. He then earned a move to the Romanian outfit UTA Arad and, after spending 18 months, the forward joined CFR Cluj.
Otele is enjoying a remarkable season with CFR Cluj, registering 13 goals and six assists in 30 league appearances. His impressive form has caught the attention of Brighton, who reportedly would want to loan him to partner club Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium before giving him a chance to shine in the Premier League. Currently, CRF Cluj value the 24-year-old at around £ 3 million, although there is every chance of that price tag rising should Otele continue firing until the end of the season.
Philip Otele on Brighton’s radar
In recent years, Brighton have built a reputation for signing hidden gems from Europe and South America and moulding them into top players. Their work in the transfer market, identifying and grooming young talents has been a revelation. Headed by chairman Tony Bloom, the Seagulls have surprised many with how they have acquired players from different parts of the world and then managed to sell them off for massive profits.
The south coast club are set to continue their policy in the upcoming summer transfer by investing in youth talents representing the best value. At 24, CFR Cluj star Philip Otele may not be young but he certainly possesses high potential. A right-footed forward, he likes to operate from the left flank and beat his opponent with his pace, dribbling skills and strength. The Nigerian is creative and has got a good eye for goal, as evidenced by his 19 goal contributions for CFR Cluj this term.
Otele looks like he has got the qualities to be an ideal fit for Brighton. The Nigerian forward has done very well in Romania and looks ready to test himself in a better league. He is an exciting player and one imagines the 24-year-old will earn himself a big move soon, and it could be Brighton currently working behind the scenes to get a deal done in the summer.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
