Brighton and Hove Albion are expected to beat Premier League rivals Leeds and Newcastle United to the signing of Ecuador midfielder Jose Cifuentes after the Qatar World Cup, according to South American publication Bolavip.
The highly-rated Los Angeles FC midfielder is already used to competing for a place in Ecuador’s starting XI with Moises Caicedo, so he will be under no illusions about the size of the task facing him should he join his all-action compatriot at the Amex Stadium.
Cifuentes played just 13 minutes of Ecuador’s 2-0 opening day victory over Qatar on Sunday. The likelihood is that, if the 23-year-old becomes Brighton’s fourth Ecuadorian footballer in the New Year, he’ll be spending his first few months on the bench there too.
In Caicedo and Alexis MacAllister, Brighton have one of the most effective midfield partnerships in the Premier League. One thing Cifuentes promises to bring, however, is real quality depth. Much-needed competition following the sale of Yves Bissouma and the sad retirement of Enock Mwepu.
He could potentially replace Caicedo in the long-term, too; one of the best pound-for-pound signings in recent times already attracting interest from Manchester United and Liverpool.
Leeds United to miss out on Jose Cifuentes as Brighton close in on MLS star
According to Bolavip, Brighton are in ‘advanced’ negotiations with Cifuentes. The Seagulls have already submitted a £5 million bid to MLS champions LAFC. Leeds and Newcastle are also keen, per El Futbolero. But the chance to join Roberto de Zerbi’s ever-growing Ecuadorian contingent on the South Coast seems to be an opportunity too good for Cifuentes to turn down.
He will become Brighton’s fourth player hailing from the South American nation; joining Caicedo, Pervis Estupinan and Jeremy Sarmiento.
Cifuentes was linked with both Celtic and Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City back in 2019. Bolavip, meanwhile, believe that Leeds offered around £4 million during the final few weeks of the summer window.
“He was the beating heart of that (Ecuador U20) side,” South American expert Tim Vickery told talkSPORT back in 2020; rattling off a series of qualities familiar to Brighton fans who see Caicedo strut his stuff week-in, week-out.
“I think he’s a terrific midfielder. He’s strong, he’s got quality, he’s got a good engine. He’s one of the best all-round midfielders, potentially, that I’ve seen come out of South America in a while.
“This fellow Cifuentes strikes the ball well, moves across the field, he’s strong in the tackle, strong on the ball. I like him a lot.”
Cifuentes produced seven goals and six assists for LAFC during an outstanding 2022 MLS campaign.
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