Adam Virgo believes that Jeremy Sarmiento’s loan transfer from Brighton to West Brom “could only benefit both parties” because it would be “impossible” for him to play at the Amex.
The TNT commentator waxed lyrical over the 21-year-old in the Football League Paper (10 September, pg. 27), saying that Sarmiento is a “really, really good player” and the “big move” to the Hawthorns might help him grow significantly.
Sarmiento’s speed, technical proficiency, and positional adaptability were commended by Virgo, but the plethora of offensive skill in Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton team suggests that his loan move could be important.
Time to shine
While on loan at West Brom, Sarmiento has the ideal chance to promote De Zerbi, and the Baggies could use a player of his caliber producing at a high level.
With only 12 total appearances at the Amex last season, the Ecuadorian international saw very little game action. However, Carlos Corberan has already given him many chances, as evidenced by his six appearances across all leagues and even one league goal.
Sarmiento is yet to have a strong run of starts to show himself to the supporters of the Hawthorns and his parent club, however, since his current position under Corberan frequently involves coming off the bench.
However, Sarmiento’s shoulder will be under a lot of strain. Brighton appears to improve with each transfer window, despite frequently selling its best players, so competition for a spot in the team, let alone the starting XI, will be fierce in Sussex.
Brighton has also proven to be transfer wizards, so if Sarmiento performs well but not well enough for De Zerbi’s European trophy-chasing side, a reasonable sum might be negotiated.
But, if Sarmiento wants to disrupt Brighton’s starting lineup, he’ll need to have a career-best season, and the Hawthorns could be the perfect venue to accomplish it.
