West Ham in the hunt to sign Brighton & Hove Albion winger Tom Watson | OneFootball

West Ham United are among the contenders to sign Brighton & Hove Albion winger Tommy Watson, as a fierce multi-club race for the 20-year-old intensifies.

The Hammers have identified Watson as a key target as they seek to add dynamism to their attacking options.

Watson boasts a strong reputation in English football, having etched his name into Sunderland folklore by coming off the bench to score a dramatic stoppage-time winner in the 2025 play-off final at Wembley, sending the Black Cats back to the top flight. That earned him a £10 million move to Brighton.

However, Watson’s start to life on the South Coast has been challenging. After limited game time early on, he spent the second half of the season on loan at Millwall but could not register a goal or assist in 16 matches across all competitions.

The England youth international has made clear that regular first-team football is his top priority next season.

Aware that another year on the fringes at Brighton could hinder his development, his representatives are now actively exploring a move away.

In addition to West Ham, several Championship clubs have registered their interest, with Leicester City, West Bromwich Albion, Hull City, and Derby County all considering offers. Preston North End could also re-enter the race, having previously monitored Watson’s loan availability back in the January window.

Watson is not the only Brighton winger on West Ham’s radar, with Amario Cozier-Duberry also under consideration at the London Stadium after an impressive loan with Bolton Wanderers.