Brighton tie Freddie Simmonds to 2030 and loan him to AFC Wimbledon | OneFootball

Brighton have tied England youth defender Freddie Simmonds to a new contract until June 2030 and sent the 18-year-old centre-back on a season-long loan to AFC Wimbledon.

Albion sporting director Mike Cave said: "Freddie has progressed well through the academy and has also had the opportunity to regularly train with the first team. Now it is time for him to go and play regular senior football and this loan represents an excellent opportunity for him to do that. He has worked hard to get to this position, and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate him on the new contract and wish him well for the season ahead."

Simmonds was ever-present for England under-17s at last year's age group World Cup. He trained and played with Albion's senior squad in pre-season, starting alongside Olivier Boscagli in a friendly against Strasbourg in Vienna.

He has been a regular in Premier League 2 but, like fellow defender Charlie Tasker, did not feature in Monday night's 2-2 draw with Arsenal. His development will now be overseen by Gordon Greer and the loans department.

Tasker is expected to complete a loan move to Rochdale. Wimbledon have four points from three games in League One ahead of a midweek trip to Caylan Vickers' new club Burton Albion. The Dons are managed by former Charlton midfielder Johnnie Jackson and include former Albion wideman James Tilley.

Source: TheArgus.co.uk

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