Graham Potter urges Jurgen Locadia to kick-start career

Brighton boss Graham Potter has urged forward Jurgen Locadia to kick-start his career during his loan spell with Hoffenheim.

The Dutchman has struggled for regular game-time since moving to The Amex from PSV Eindhoven in January 2018, starting just 16 Premier League games. Only one of those starts has come under Potter, who succeeded Chris Hughton as manager during the summer, with the former Swansea boss keeping Locadia on the bench for Brighton’s last two Premier League games.

That lack of game-time has ultimately led to the decision to send Locadia out on loan and Potter hopes the 25-year-old takes full advantage of his time in the Bundesliga, having not ruled out bringing him back into the Brighton fold in the future.

“He’s not had the game time and, when he has, he’s played in different positions so sometimes a player gets a sense it is a good time for him to restart his career or kick-start their career, get some regular game-time,” Potter told The Argus. “The offer came in and it suited both clubs and him.”

Brighton do have plenty of attacking options within their squad, with summer signing Neal Maupay joining Florin Andone, Glenn Murray and youngster Aaron Connolly at The Amex – the latter two were on the scoresheet during the Seagulls 2-1 victory over Bristol Rovers in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.

Potter will now shift his side’s attention back to Premier League action, as Brighton face the daunting prospect of travelling to the Etihad Stadium to take on Manchester City on Saturday.

The Seagulls have lost all four of their previous Premier League meetings with the Citizens, but they are priced at 29.00 to spring a surprise on Saturday, while Pep Guardiola’s side are available at 1.08 and the draw is on offer at 11.00.