Brighton and Hove Albion have been heavily linked with Inter Miami midfielder Diego Gomez. He has recently been eliminated from the Olympic Games with Paraguay U23s after losing on penalties to Egypt in the quarter-finals.
Although his nation were defeated on the night, Gomez scored Paraguay’s only goal of the match, topping off an impressive Olympic display, exciting fans down on the South Coast.
Embed from Getty ImagesBrighton are looking to replace Pascal Gross following his move to Borussia Dortmund and Gomez appears to have various qualities that would make him a good fit. He can win the ball high up to create chances but is also versatile enough to track back and win duels all over the pitch.
In the opener against Japan, Gomez’s nation had a night to forget, they were thrashed 5-0 in Bordeaux. The Inter Miami midfielder was subbed off in the 82nd minute after having just 31 touches of the ball.
When Paraguay took on Israel, it was a far more positive evening for Gomez who claimed two assists in a 4-2 victory. He created nine chances and made 15 defensive actions, highlighting his capabilities in all areas of the pitch.
Potential future club teammate Julio Enciso ended up on the scoresheet against Israel as he found the target from long range.
Embed from Getty ImagesAlthough Paraguay beat Mali 1-0, Gomez was far less imposing compared to his previous outing against Israel. He lost 14 duels and committed seven fouls, one of which lead to a yellow card. Nonetheless, Paraguay came out victorious and progressed to the knockout stages of the Olympic Games.
Paraguay were defeated on penalties in the quarter-finals against Egypt but Gomez part on a terrific performance individually. Not only did he score the opening goal but he also created five chances, made eight passes into the final third and scored his penalty in the shootout.
Embed from Getty ImagesBrighton are reportedly on the verge of signing Gomez for £15m. West Ham also joined the race but were too late with personal terms already agreed between the two parties. If Gomez does join the Albion it is expected that he will go straight back to Inter Miami on loan until December to see out the remainder of the MLS season.
Embed from Getty ImagesWritten by Isabelle Newnham
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