West Ham, Derby and Leicester among six keen on Sunderland play-off hero Tommy Watson | OneFootball

Sunderland Echo understands that West Bromwich Albion, Leicester City, Hull City, West Ham United and Derby County have registered interest in 20-year-old Tommy Watson as Brighton consider his next loan move.

Preston North End could yet re-enter the picture after showing interest before his February switch to Millwall. With options in League One, the Championship and the Premier League, a Championship move is currently viewed as the likeliest outcome.

Brighton signed Watson from Sunderland last year in a deal worth around £10million and handed him a long-term contract, underlining how highly they rate him. Those close to the winger want regular football, and competition for places at Brighton is fierce.

He made 10 appearances for Brighton in the first half of 2025-26 and scored on debut in a 6-0 EFL Cup win over Oxford United. Premier League minutes were limited, and he joined Millwall on loan in February to reunite with Alex Neil, making 12 appearances. Given he is only 20, his next step is viewed as particularly important.

Born in Horden, Watson came through Sunderland’s academy and debuted in April 2023 against Huddersfield Town. After a back injury early in 2023-24, he signed a new three-year deal and broke through in 2024-25, netting his first league goals in a 2-1 win over Stoke City. Brighton moved early in April 2025, and although the transfer was confirmed before his June arrival, he still scored the stoppage-time winner in the Championship play-off final against Sheffield United, completing a 2-1 comeback at Wembley and sealing Sunderland’s first Premier League return since 2017.

Source: Sunderland Echo