Leandro Trossard wants to leave Brighton & Hove Albion this transfer window, with his agent revealing on Friday that the player has been rejected by the club following a row between the Belgium international and a team-mate.
Trossard’s agent, Josie Comhair, also revealed that the 28-year-old striker had stopped talking to head coach Roberto De Zerbi.
Trossard, who was linked with a move away from the south coast in January this year, is yet to feature for the club this year after being left on the bench against Everton and left out of the FA Cup win over Middlesbrough.
De Zerbi then confirmed on Friday that Trossard would not be in his squad to face Liverpool on Saturday after pulling out of training early without his permission.
“He left the session without saying anything to me. And this is not good,” said De Zerbi.
“I spoke to him and explained this attitude, this behavior, I don’t like it.”
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However, in an exclusive statement released on Friday night, Trossard’s agent said the player had been unfairly suspended.
The statement said: “Before Leandro left for Qatar, Brighton’s intention was to sign Leandro. This did not happen because the parties could not come to an agreement. Leandro also said that he is ready for his next step.
“After the World Cup, a conflict broke out between Leandro and a player who was training because of something small. Since then, the manager no longer talks to Leandro, which is not good for the atmosphere or performance oriented.
“Leandro still had a starting place against Southampton and Arsenal, but against Everton he was on the bench. He also didn’t make the five substitutions that happened at the time, and that’s without explanation.
“Ahead of the FA Cup game against Middlesbrough, Leandro said twice that he had problems with his calf. That’s why he stopped training. This was after consulting the medical staff, by the way.
“The manager told Leandro that he needs to train separately. Last Monday, the manager insulted Leandro in the group and said he didn’t want to see him anymore. A manager who doesn’t speak directly to a player for four weeks is really unclear. By the way, the manager has repeatedly stated that this transfer is the most convenient solution.”
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At the end of the message, Trossard wanted to leave Brighton immediately.
He added: “It is therefore important that Brighton co-operate with a potential transfer during this transfer window and demonstrate a mutually beneficial relationship.”
Brighton have the option to extend Trossard’s current deal, which expires this summer, by another year until June 2024.
According to reports in Belgium, the 28-year-old has repeatedly rejected offers for a new contract.
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(Photo: Getty Images)
