Leandro Trossard’s agent has confirmed the 28-year-old Belgian international wants to leave Brighton & Hove Albion following head coach Roberto De Zerbi confirming he would not be in the squad for the Liverpool triumph after exhibiting a poor attitude in training.
Trossard hasn’t featured for the Seagulls since the club’s 4-2 defeat on home turf to Arsenal on New Year’s Eve and has refused to commit himself to a new deal at the Amex Stadium. The forward has been one of the club’s star players this campaign, notching an impressive seven goals in 16 league games.
What has the agent said?
A statement released by Trossard’s agent Josy Comhair read: “Before Leandro left for Qatar, it was Brighton’s intention to extend his contract, this did not happen as parties did not reach an agreement. Leandro has also indicated he is ready for his next step.
“After the World Cup, there was an altercation at training between Leandro and another player over an inanity. Since then, the trainer has not spoken to Leandro, which is obviously not conducive to the atmosphere, as well as performance-wise.
“Leandro still was a first-eleven player against Southampton and Arsenal but against Everton, he was on the bench. In the five substitutions that took place then, he was also not among them and this is without any explanation.
“In the run-up to the match against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup, Leandro had already reported calf problems twice. This was the reason he stopped training. This was in consultation with the medical staff.
“Through the physical trainer, Leandro learned that he had to train separately. Last Monday the trainer then grounded Leandro in the group and indicated that he did not want to see him anymore. A trainer who has not communicated directly with his player for four weeks is truly incomprehensible.
“It is also the trainer who has indicated several times that a transfer is the most reasonable solution.
“It is therefore important that Brighton cooperates with a potential transfer, which is beneficial for both parties”
What’s next for Leandro Trossard?
It’s incredibly unclear whether the 28-year-old still holds a future at Amex, especially if he continues to behave in the same way. It would indeed be a shame if his four-year stint at the club comes to such an end. However, the club will not be steamrolled into selling him or allowing him to leave on a cut-price fee because of his petulance, as already confirmed by various media outlets.
What’s more crucial, however, is that Trossard is certainly ruining his reputation. Which top club would be smart in acquiring a player with such a poor attitude if he doesn’t get his way?
With rumours circulating regarding Tottenham Hotspur’s interest, it doesn’t even make sense for Conte to sign him considering the wealth of attacking options he already possesses in his weaponry. It wouldn’t represent an ideal next step for the player, either, as his game time will of course considerably reduce. The grass certainly isn’t always greener.
Leandro Trossard is entering the peak of his career, so he would need to think and plan out his next steps with meticulous precision. His behaviour towards such a top coach in De Zerbi, one who can transform his game to the next level, won’t help at all.
Arsenal are also rumoured to be interested too, but again, that’s another move which wouldn’t make much sense for either party. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta would be well aware of Trossard’s behaviour, so why would he want to add that to a squad who are brimming with confidence and a title-winning aura? Incredibly unlikely.
Even if the player desperately wants to leave Amex, as stated previously, that seems very difficult. The club’s position remains the same as it is with all of their star players — nobody will be going anywhere in the January window unless they receive an irresistible offer over and above what they could command in the summer.
So which club will be willing to spend in the upper reaches of £30million+ for a player who is displaying such an attitude and behaviour in the dressing room? None.
De Zerbi has left the door open for reconciliation: “If he wants to play, I’m open to listening to him, but he has to understand that, with me, I only want players who work hard, who play for the team 100 per cent.”
It’s in Trossard’s best interest to swallow his pride, apologise to both the manager and his teammates, knuckle down and show just why he has indeed been Brighton’s best player since their emergence in the Premier League. Only then will top clubs be willing to take him if the time comes. It’s his career and immediate future at the top level on the line.