Two of Albion’s on-loan stars from last season have been told they can play their way into Roberto De Zerbi’s plans.
Simon Adingra and Steven Alzate will be among the players looking to impress the head coach in pre-season training, which starts next week.
Adingra grabbed headlines as his 15 goals, 15 assists and attacking flair took Union St-Gilloise to the brink of the league title in Belgium as well as enjoying a run in Europe.
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Meanwhile Alzate was quietly consistent as he shone in midfield for Standard Liege and appears to have attributes which suit De Zerbi’s way of playing.
Neither have yet worked with the Italian and his coaching staff but that will change in the coming weeks as Albion prepare for the Premier League and Europa League.
The club’s technical director David Weir said: “Steven and Simon have had great seasons last season.
“They both went on loan to a really competitive league. They both played lots of minutes.
“They both had a really positive impact in terms of how they played.
“To see that, it makes it clear to us we have got to give them the opportunity to come back in and we think they are capable of affecting our group next year.
“They will be reporting back for pre-season.
“The expectation is they will be here with us to help our group and that is where it is at.
“We are excited to see them.”
Adingra went straight out on loan after signing from Nordsjaelland last summer.
Alzate made progress in 51 games under previous Seagulls head coach Graham Potter, who gave him his first-team breakthrough almost four years ago.
He had headed to Standard, where he became hugely popular with fans, before De Zerbi took charge at the Amex.
Weir said: “Simon has not been here full-time.
“He has been here briefly when we signed him and then very quickly went on loan.
“Steven has obviously been here and we all know what he is capable of.
“He has got a great opportunity to come in and affect our group.
“We are excited by the prospect of that for both.”
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