Brighton Approach Atalanta Over Highly Rated Long-Term Target

Brighton have made contact with Italian side Atalanta over the potential signing of 19-year-old defender Relja Obric.

The Seagulls attempted to sign Slovenian teenager Obric last summer, but saw their advances rebuked.

Having bought Diego Coppola earlier in the window, Brighton had tried to land another Serie A centre-back on deadline day.

But Atalanta rejected any bids for their young star, who they view as part of their long-term plans.

Centre-back is an area that manager Fabian Hurzeler is keen to strengthen, with Brighton rejecting an offer for club captain Lewis Dunk this week.

However, with Diego Coppola struggling this season in the Premier League, the 22-year-old has joined Paris FC on loan.

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler is therefore once again in the market for a central defender.

As a result, the Seagulls have rekindled their interest in Obric, and have made signing him a priority before next week’s winter deadline.

Brighton Rekindle Interest In Relja Obric

According to reports from Italian media, Brighton have made contact with Atalanta once again.

Slovenian under-21 international Obric is yet to make a first-team appearance for the Serie A outfit.

Relja Obrić: “Clodiense? Siamo pronti!” ️

Guarda l’intervista https://t.co/BEvRtuvOUw#GoAtalantaGo ⚫️ pic.twitter.com/fbFVKvbK66

— Atalanta Under 23 (@Atalanta_U23) November 29, 2024

But the 6ft 4in defender has impressed for Atalanta’s youth and reserve teams, and looks to be a future star.

It is unclear whether Brighton’s offer is for a loan move or permanent deal, but the latter would make more sense.

Despite his potential Obric is unlikely to feature in the Premier League right away.

His signing would be part of Brighton’s long-term squad planning, with an aim to develop him into a top-flight regular in the coming seasons.

Atalanta Reluctant To Lose Brighton Target Obric

Brighton will have their work cut out to sign Obric before the window slams shut on Monday, though.

Atalanta are determined not to sell the the youngster, and would likely only permit him to leave on loan.

But Premier League club Brighton will not be deterred, and are long-term admirers of Obric.

FK Partizan product Relja Obrić & best young player in the world.

Relja plays in Atalanta Primavera now. Italian club used the fact that he got EU papers & we lost good talent last year. pic.twitter.com/DfEvICD0Mx

— FK Partizan Rising Stars ⚫⚪ (@ZemunelloUpdate) July 18, 2024

They would likely loan him out themselves, if he made his way to the South Coast.

But they will have to make a substantial offer if they are to persuade Atalanta to part with one of their most gifted academy prospects.

Obric has been at the Italian outfit for three years, having joined from Serbian club FK Partizan Belgrade in 2022-23.

His talent is undeniable, though. And if Brighton are looking for a long-term successor for Lewis Dunk, Obric fits the mould well and could be a perfect fit.