Brighton offload Bernardo to Red Bull Salzburg on loan transfer for rest of season after falling down pecking order

BRIGHTON have loaned Bernardo to Red Bull Salzburg for the rest of the season.

The Brazilian defender, 25, joined Albion from RB Leipzig three years ago for £9million.

But he has fallen down the pecking order under Graham Potter, who has preferred Solly March and Dan Burn at left wing-back.

Boss Potter said: “Bernardo is at a stage in his career where he wants to be playing regular football.

“This move should give him the opportunity to do that.

"We wish him well for the rest of the season and we will watch his progress with interest.”

Bernardo scored two goals in 26 appearances during a stint at Red Bull Salzburg in 2016 before joining the Austrian side's German sister-club Leipzig.

Salzburg sporting director Christoph Freund said: "The great opportunity to have #Bernardo back suddenly opened up for us. He is a defensively very flexible player, and he will help us right away.

"With his past experience, Bernardo will have no difficulty settling into our club or adapting to our way of playing football."

Bernardo made his 50th Seagulls appearance last week in the 1-0 defeat at Manchester City.

This term he has played just seven times, starting five, with three coming in the Premier League.

In the Carabao Cup, the Sao Paulo star scored once and assisted two in the wins over Portsmouth and Preston.

Brighton loaned out Jayson Molumby to Preston and Viktor Gyokeres to Coventry earlier this month while Warren O'Hora signed a permanent deal at MK Dons.

The south-coast club did, however, tie right-back Tariq Lamptey down to a new contract until the end of the 2024-25 season after his sublime form since making his debut in June.

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