Atletico Madrid have been given a boost in their efforts to sign Brighton & Hove Albion forward Leandro Trossard this month.
Trossard has previously hinted at his interest in moving to Premier League giants Chelsea due to his ambition to play Champions League football.
However, his future has taken a dramatic twist in the last 24 hours, with Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi dropping him for their weekend clash with Liverpool.
🚨 De Zerbi: “Leandro Trossard isn't on the list for next game. The last session before last game, when he understood he wasn't playing, he left the session without telling me anything”. #BHAFC
“I told him I don't like this attitude”, De Zerbi says — via @CParkerTurner. pic.twitter.com/WByyy60RPB
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 13, 2023
De Zerbi claimed he was unhappy with Trossard’s attitude in training, following his return from the 2022 World Cup, and will not be counting on him until further notice.
Trossard has since reportedly told the club he wants to leave in January with his agent Josy Comhair launching a firm criticism of their approach towards his client.
Official statement by Leandro Trossard agent Josy Comhair after Belgian star excluded for next game by Roberto de Zerbi 🔵🇧🇪 #BHAFC
“The manager humiliated Leandro in the group — also he indicated that a transfer is the best solution” ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/iVhbjKp04j
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 13, 2023
Despite previous reports of the Belgian being available for free this summer, Brighton have activated a 12-month extension clause until 2024, and he could cost around €35m.
