Diego Gomez: All you need to know about new Brighton signing

Brighton have once again splashed the cash, announcing the signing of Diego Gomez from Inter Miami for a fee of around £12 million.

It takes the Seagulls’ total expenditure for this season well past the £200 million mark, a record for the club. Gomez’s arrival also keeps the trend going of Brighton bringing in top quality youngsters hailing from South America.

We have quite the history of signing some truly awesome players over the years from that part of the world. Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Alister being the standout names.

Two players who joined the club as unknown youngsters, developed extremely well during their time with us and went on to become well established Premier League stars.

Since their departures, Caicedo and Mac Allister have gone onto become key assets to Chelsea and Liverpool respectively – the sides currently sitting first and second in the table.

We have also seen the arrival of Valentin Barco and Facundo Buonanotte. Two young Argentinians, currently out on loan with the latter having a superb season so far with Leicester city. Both have shown some early signs of promise and will no doubt be in the Albion’s future plans.

Brighton first started negotiations with Inter Miami over Diego Gomez earlier this year in an attempt to get the upper hand and reach an agreement early, as other teams from around Europe were said to be monitoring the player.

Who is new Brighton signing Diego Gomez?

Diego Gomez is a 21-year-old Paraguayan international who joins Brighton from MLS side Inter Miami. He is an exciting young central midfielder who is regarded as one of the brightest talents from South America right now.

Gomez began his career in his native Paraguay with Club Libertad. They are well known for producing some excellent players including current Albion forward, Gomez’s compatriot and now new club teammate, Julio Enciso.

During his first season with Libertad, Gomez impressed enough to convince Inter Miami to spend a reported $3 million on the youngster.

After his move to the United States. it took Gomez a little time to break into the team. Something which is only natural for a new signing, especially at such a young age.

He made five appearances in his debut season for Inter Miami. Fast forward to this season and Gomez became an integral part of the team. He has played 22 times, bagging himself three league goals and contributing six assists.

Gomez broke into the Paraguay senior squad in 2022 at the tender age of just 19-years-old. He has been capped 12 times and has one international goal to his name. The first of many, I am sure.

Diego Gomez style of play

A central midfielder first and foremost, Gomez also has the versatility to play on either wing or a more advanced number 10 role.

He possesses a variety of attributes which make him a very exciting player with bags of potential.

A speedster

Gomez is a player full of pace and energy. Whether he is pushing forward or retreating back to help out defensively, he will inject much needed speed to the side.

Something which every team desires in the heart of their midfield but especially Brighton, who have looked a little ponderous with how quickly they move the ball in recent weeks.

Direct approach

The young Paraguayan is a very direct player in his attacking approach. Much like Karou Mitoma, Gomez pushes forward with aggression and is not afraid to take on opponents – sometimes even two at a time.

Gomez is fearless and will certainly cause problems for opposition players with his style of play – once he has found his feet and has settled into his new environment.

Not afraid to put in a tackle

Last season, Gomez accumulated a total of six yellow cards. That may not seem like a lot but he only made 22 appearances in the league.

This shows that when the need arises, he is willing and able to help out defensively. He will put in a tackle to stop a counter or break up play.

All in all, Gomez looks a solid, well-rounded player on paper. Brighton is the ideal place to help him grow, improve and flourish.

How could Diego Gomez fit into the way Brighton play?

Fabian Hurzeler prefers a 4-2-3-1 or 4-5-1 formation with the number 10 role being important. Already this season, we have seen a number of players used in that position.

Joao Pedro, Georginio Rutter, Brajan Gruda and Enciso have all filled the spot at various points through the opening 16 games. The arrival of Gomez provides another exciting option. Once he has settled, of course.

Personally, I think Gomez is more likely to be used as a number eight. That is where he thrived for Inter Miami. There is also the matter of Pedro and Rutter being ahead of him in the pecking order for number 10.

Gomez would certainly be capable of pushing further forward should the need arise. For example, due to injuries or if we are chasing the game.

Gomez learned from the best

Gomez played alongside a certain Lionel Messi at Inter Miami. A teammate that needs absolutely no introduction.

Most players in world football would jump at the chance to play with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and captain of reigning world champions Argentina.

Messi is considered by many to be the greatest footballer of all time. I am sure Gomez picked up a trick or two from Messi during their time together in the US.

Fabian Hurzeler on Diego Gomez

Hurzeler was asked about Gomez in the head coach’s press conference before Brighton lost 3-1 to Crystal Palace at the Amex.

The German immediately rubbished the idea of Gomez being sent out on loan, saying he will link up with the first team on January 1st when the winter transfer window officially opens.

Hurzeler added: “What he has is something special. He has the right attitude towards football. He loves to play it. You can feel his passion every time you talk with him. You can see his passion in his eyes.”

“When you see him playing for Paraguay and for Inter Miami, you see that he is ready to sprint and ready to make the last break to give everything for his club.”

“We have some examples, from the summer, that show how challenging it is to come from a different league to the Premier League.”

“It will be a big challenge for him, but it is up to us – as a club and as a team – to fully integrate him as soon as possible.”

If Gomez is staying with Brighton for the second half of the 2024-25 season, it begs the question will another player leave?

Brighton have a lot of midfield options in their squad right now. The arrival of Gomez might restrict the game time of Enciso and others.

With that being said, the campaign is long and we are not even halfway through yet. Memories of the injuries which blighted Brighton from February last year will also be fresh.

The January transfer window is right around the corner so we will soon have our answer.

Verdict

In my opinion, the signing of Diego Gomez looks another piece of shrewd business done by Brighton.

It will take Gomez some time to adjust to the Premier League. But he has time on his side. The Albion are currently well stocked in midfield, as already mentioned.

The likes of Carlos Baleba, Matt O’Riley, Yasin Ayari, Jack Hinshelwood, Mats Wieffer and Ensico show competition is fierce.

However, I am confident that Hurzeler believes in Gomez and is looking forward to working with him. That leaves me excited to see him play in the stripes – when he is ready.

Andrew James @AndrewJames1901