Bayer Leverkusen interested in signing Brighton forward who’s stalling on a new contract

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Contract negotiations between Brighton & Hove Albion and Joshua Duffus have stalled once again, TBR Football can exclusively reveal.

At 19-years-old, Duffus is already an established name within England’s youth set-up, having represented his country at U17 and U19 level.

Now, news of Duffus’ failed talks have put the youngster on the radar of multiple big clubs across Europe.

Duffus made a powerful statement in the early half of the 2024/25 season, scoring 10 goals and contributing four assists in just 17 appearances for Brighton’s U21 side before December.

However, the young attacker has found first-team opportunities hard to come by on the south coast, despite his standout form.

Josh Duffus set to leave Brighton on a free transfer

That being said, TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey understands that Bayer Levekusen and Eintracht Frankfurt are now both keen on signing Duffus on a free contract.

Duffus was handed his senior debut in November 2023 under Roberto De Zerbi in the Europa League but he hasn’t featured for the first team since.

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Then, a loan move in January was blocked due to ongoing contract negotiations — and in those talks, Duffus was told that a move to FC Nordsjaelland hinged on him signing a contract extension.

The 20-year-old declined that offer and as a result, he has not featured in any competitive or non-competitive since January.

Now, with just over two months left on his contract, Duffus is evaluating opportunities where a clear development pathway to the first team is central to the club’s philosophy.

And as a result, interest is mounting from several clubs domestically and abroad.

Bayer Leverkusen among clubs interested in Duffus

In a few months’ time, Duffus currently looks poised to follow in the footsteps of other young English stars who have shone on the continent — players like Jamal Musiala, Jadon Sancho and Jamie Gittens.

Chelsea are leading the race to sign Gittens and bring him back to the Premier League right now, explaining how his decision to head to Germany has paid off.

And TBR can reveal that Frankfurt and Leverkusen are among the sides keen on landing him and have held talks.

In addition, Olympique Marseille have also held discussions with Duffus’ camp — where former boss De Zerbi now resides.

There is also Premier League interest in the youngster, but TBR understands that Duffus is favouring a move to the continent at this point.