Brighton have confirmed the departure of veteran striker Glenn Murray to Watford on a season-long loan deal.
The 36-year-old is the Seagulls' leading post-war goalscorer, having netted 111 goals across two spells at the club.
But his advancing years and emergence of Neal Maupay and Aaron Connolly last season have seen his first team opportunities limited at the Amex Stadium, and he's now been allowed to step back down to the Championship with Watford - who were relegated from the Premier League last season.
Speaking in a statement on Brighton's website, head coach Graham Potter wished Murray well for the campaign and admitted that he couldn't stand in the way of desire to play regular football.
“It is understandable that Glenn would like to play regular football at this stage of this career, and this move gives him that opportunity with Watford," Potter said.
“He could easily have stayed here, been part of the squad and we would have been very happy to have his experience and personality within the dressing room – but we could not guarantee him regular football.
“He makes the move with our full blessing and best wishes. Glenn has been outstanding for this football club, a great pro and pleasure to work with. He quite rightly has earned legend status here. He will always be welcome back here at the club, at the training ground and the Amex, and I am sure the fans will look forward to showing their appreciation at some point in the future.”
✍️ Welcome to Vicarage Road, Glenn Murray! pic.twitter.com/rkzwEpdkAX
— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) September 1, 2020
Murray's arrival could signal the end of Watford captain Troy Deeney's career in Hertfordshire, amid interest from Newcastle and newly-promoted West Brom. The deal could also signal a departure for Danny Welbeck, if Crystal Palace and Southampton decide to make a move for the former Arsenal and Manchester United striker.
The Hornets know they're getting a prolific goalscorer at Championship level, with Murray once netting 30 goals for Crystal Palace during their promotion-winning 2012/13 season - numbers that saw him pick up the league's Golden Boot award.
Source: 90min
