Brighton & Hove Albion have opened deadline-day talks with VfB Stuttgart for Chema Andrés, in a surprise late-window development that leaves little time for an agreement to be struck. The 21-year-old midfielder has emerged as a serious target as Brighton look to move quickly before the deadline passes.
The timing matters. Chema Andrés only joined Stuttgart last summer from Real Madrid Castilla for €3 million, and he has already become a regular part of the Bundesliga side’s plans. Since arriving, he has made 25 Bundesliga appearances and scored 3 goals, while also competing for minutes with then-captain Atakan Karazor.
Why the deal is difficult to complete
This is the sort of move that can change quickly on deadline day, but the report suggests the window may be working against Brighton. With only a few hours left, the chances of reaching an agreement are described as difficult, even if talks are now underway.
For Stuttgart, that creates an immediate decision. Chema Andrés is still early in his spell at the club and has shown enough to attract interest, but the price of losing him now would be high so late in the market. For Brighton, the question is whether they can turn interest into a deal before time runs out.
Real Madrid still hold a future option
There is also a longer-term layer to the story. Real Madrid will have another chance to exercise their buyback option next summer for €15 million, which adds another twist to any discussion around his future.
That means any move now would sit inside a broader transfer picture, with Stuttgart trying to manage a player who has already gained Bundesliga experience and Brighton testing whether a late approach can still be enough. For now, the key detail is simple: Brighton have started talks, and the clock is already against them.
