The challenge for Nehemiah Oriola at Brighton is to succeed where Jeremy Sarmiento could not | OneFootball

Brighton want their teenage signings either to graduate or to progress elsewhere. Jeremy Sarmiento now fits the latter, while 18-year-old Nehemiah Oriola is pushing for the former. On Monday Oriola played the full game as Brighton’s mid-table under-21s drew 1-1 with Premier League 2 leaders Manchester United at Carrington.

According to NY Times, Sarmiento has joined Middlesbrough for the rest of the season, with low-bar clauses making a summer permanent move effectively a formality for the 23-year-old. That would conclude four and a half years at Brighton after arriving from Benfica’s academy in July 2021 via Charlton.

He debuted in the Premier League under Graham Potter within four months, then made his Ecuador bow and featured at the 2022 World Cup. Injuries, including a hamstring tear on his first league start at West Ham, plus managerial changes and wing competition, limited chances and loans followed.

He last played for Brighton in August 2024, and this season’s stint at Cremonese brought only brief cameos. Middlesbrough’s promotion push could revive club and international ambitions, with Birmingham City and Wrexham also keen. Brighton’s depth includes Kaoru Mitoma, Yankuba Minteh, Brajan Gruda, Tommy Watson and Amario Cozier-Duberry.

Oriola has been in seven first-team squads, debuting late in November’s 3-0 win over Leeds after first inclusion for October’s 2-1 victory against Newcastle. Fabian Hurzeler rates his one-against-one threat and recovery work and sees him best on the right, but says progress depends on application and humility.

Oriola left Manchester United by mutual consent in 2023.

Source: NY Times