adminOne of the standout signings of the summer in League One, if not across the entire EFL, was the loan move which saw Tommy Watson drop down to the third tier to spend the season with Leicester City.
The then-teenage Sunderland academy graduate joined Brighton and Hove Albion — a club renowned for developing young players — for £10 million in April 2025.
He brought his time with the Black Cats to a memorable conclusion by scoring the late goal that sent them into the Premier League in the play-off final. That was less than a year ago, although it now feels like a distant chapter.
The 20-year-old remained on the fringes of the Brighton squad during the first half of last season, impressing in the EFL Cup while making six sporadic Premier League appearances. He was then sent on loan to promotion-chasing Millwall for the second half of the campaign, but struggled to make a significant impact.
Many expected Tommy Watson’s next move this summer to still be in the Championship
With Alex Neil largely settled on the outfield players he had during an unexpected top-two push, Watson was limited to substitute appearances at The Den, and although it was for one of the Championship’s stronger teams, the situation did little to aid his development.
Even so, the winger still possesses enough quality to become an important player for a leading Championship side, and many observers expected him to return to the second tier for the entirety of this season.
There was no shortage of interest either, with Preston North End, Derby County, West Brom and West Ham United all linked with Watson. Premier League newcomers Hull City were also mentioned among the potential destinations, as were recently relegated League One side Leicester City.
With Leicester expected to dominate the third tier in just their second season at that level, while still possessing the financial resources of some Championship clubs, their links alongside those established second-tier sides initially appeared unlikely.
Ultimately, however, those reports proved to be genuine, with the 20-year-old agreeing a season-long loan at the King Power Stadium, surprising those who viewed him as a player ready for Championship football.
Tommy Watson’s spell at Leicester City has yet to really take off
Considering his potential to become a Premier League-calibre winger, Watson spending the campaign in League One seemed, to many, like an opportunity that should have been straightforward for him. However, he has not been given regular opportunities to demonstrate that.
As the first international break of the season approaches, the 20-year-old has been introduced from the bench in six of Leicester’s seven League One matches, starting only the goalless draw against MK Dons in late August.
His other starts came against Ipswich Town in the second round of the EFL Cup and during the Foxes’ 6-1 victory over Fulham’s under-21s in the Jersey Mike’s Trophy — both fixtures in which Leicester boss Russell Martin rotated his squad.
Considering he was regarded as a major coup for the division – similar to how Cardiff City managed to bring in Chelsea youngster Omari Kellyman last season – few would have anticipated him becoming a largely peripheral figure this early into his spell at the King Power Stadium.
Brighton could reassess Tom Watson’s situation if he continues to remain on the bench at Leicester City
Watson’s per-90 numbers in League One are among the strongest for left-wingers in the division, suggesting that he is still producing an impact during the limited minutes he receives.
According to FotMob, he has recorded the most touches in the opposition’s box per 90 among players in his position, while creating 3.65 chances and 1.62 big chances, as well as registering 1.22 shots on target per 90.
His only League One start against MK Dons saw him create the joint-most chances in the match, record the most touches inside the opposition box, attempt the most shots and successfully complete all three of his dribble attempts, too, in what was an impressive showing.
Tom Watson vs MK Dons
Minutes played
82
Shots
5
Shots on target
2
Chances created
3
Touches in opposition box
10
Dribble success
3/3 (100%)
Clearly, he is displaying his ability when given the opportunity, but he is not receiving enough minutes to demonstrate those qualities consistently. If the lack of starts persists, surely Brighton will begin to consider a recall?
Brighton can move Tommy Watson to the Championship in January, correcting their summer decision
While moving a young player between clubs every six months can arguably disrupt his progression, limited competitive football can be just as damaging, and Watson’s potential is currently not being fully utilised at Leicester.
The 20-year-old is demonstrating his qualities during the short periods he gets on the pitch, and although moving a player to a higher division after failing to establish himself at the level below would be an unusual decision, it is one Brighton could consider.
Watson is, clearly, a player capable of making an impression in the Championship, which is why he was loaned to one of the division’s strongest teams last January. He simply needs the right environment to bring those qualities to the fore.
Preston, in particular, may regret not securing a natural left-winger during the summer and could be searching for one when January arrives. If Watson becomes available, you can guarantee there will be interest from Deepdale and elsewhere across the Championship.
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