According to Darren Witcoop, Southampton is considering a move for Jason Steele of Brighton & Hove
Albion. The goalkeeper made his debut for the Seagulls in their opening Premier League match of 2024–25, and he preserved a clean sheet as they triumphed 3-0 over Everton to start the season in grand fashion.
Even though Steele started the opening league game at American Express Stadium under Fabian Hurzeler’s leadership, his place as the team’s top option between the sticks is far from assured. In actuality, Steele was among the top backup keepers in England last season, and Bart Verbruggen played more games for Brighton in the Premier League.
Because of this, the team may be open to considering Southampton’s proposals for Steele. Gavin Bazunu has been the Saints’ first-choice keeper for the past few seasons, but Alex McCarthy began for Russel Martin’s team in their inaugural Premier League match after rupturing his achilles tendon during the close of the 2023–2024 campaign. Southampton is in need of a new goalkeeper as Bazunu is still sidelined for some time, and Steele might be the answer.
Steele is of interest to Southampton
Steele, who Breaking The Lines called “extraordinary,” has developed a reputation over the years for his ability to play out from the back with the ball at his feet. It’s a quality that the transfer market has come to value more and more. The former Blackburn Rovers player would be a perfect fit for Martin’s team’s possession-based football philosophy, and it appears that they have recognized this, considering a move for the goalkeeper, according to Witcoop.Due to their decision to keep Carl Rushworth, a 23-year-old goalkeeper, on staff this season, Brighton appears to be planning for life beyond the Englishman as well.
The fact that Brighton appears ready to retain onto Rushworth for the upcoming season is a clear indication that they are considering the possibility that Steele might not be with the team for very long. Over the past three years, the former Halifax Town player has been sent out on loan, spending time at Walsall, Lincoln City, and Swansea City.
He’s drawn interest once more this summer, this time on a temporary basis, from Sheffield United and the Swans, who are both keen to sign him on loan for the season. Even still, Hurzeler’s team is committed to keeping Steele at American Express Stadium for the entire season. Should Steele move to Southampton, he may contribute significantly more than he likely anticipated coming into the season.
