Last week I wrote a piece discussing why Aaron Mooy was stuck at Huddersfield, despite being one of very few Terriers players who had proven he could cut it in the top flight.
As it turns out, not all Premier League scouts had overlooked his talent, with the Socceroo completing a move to Brighton and Hove Albion on an initial loan deal just before the transfer deadline passed overnight.
It’s a great move for Mooy, who should feel right at home in his new surroundings, not least as he’ll be joining up with a familiar face in Mat Ryan, who has been a resounding success in his two years at the club.
Brighton were promoted to the Premier League in the same year as Huddersfield and, similarly, enjoyed a successful first season only to struggle last term. They survived by the skin of their teeth and quickly parted company with popular manager Chris Hughton.
It’s been a summer of renewal under new coach Graham Potter. Mooy is the latest eye-catching recruit from the Championship, following big-money deals for Bristol City defender Adam Webster and Brentford forward Neal Maupay.
Mooy will add composure and creativity to a side that often looked one-dimensional and short of ideas in attack last season.
His ability as a deep-lying playmaker should free up goalscoring midfielder Pascal Groß to get forward, while his delivery from set pieces will be welcomed by aerial threats Glenn Murray, Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy.
The only surprise about the move is that Huddersfield were prepared to sanction a loan deal, having previously insisted that they wouldn’t part with their star asset unless a sizeable bid came in.
(Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
But it makes perfect sense for Brighton, who will expect the incentive of earning a permanent deal to get the most from their latest Aussie addition.
The fact that Mooy has simultaneously signed a new contract at Huddersfield shouldn’t be interpreted as a sign that his long-term future still lies in Yorkshire.
It’s more of an insurance policy, with the Terriers guaranteed a decent fee once the loan deal expires, rather than losing him for nothing at the end of his previous deal. The player has a fallback should he suffer serious injury and the option of returning if his parent club earns another surprise promotion.
Mooy’s return to the highest level is also good news for Graham Arnold and the Socceroos, with the World Cup qualifying campaign due to get underway in September. His continued exposure to the rigours of the Premier League can only be a positive for the national side.
Brighton open the season with a trip to Watford in the early hours of Sunday, followed by home engagements with West Ham and Southampton, before a huge test away to Mooy’s former employers, Manchester City.
If the Seagulls are to push towards mid-table, then both of their star Socceroos will have key roles to play. There will be plenty of Australian fans keeping an eye on their results, hoping that Mooy can hit the ground running and once again show he belongs on the Premier League stage.
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