Albion's surprise chance to land former Barcelona prospect Gai Assulin has been hailed as a “no brainer”.
Israeli Assulin completed a loan move to The Amex yesterday with Manchester City team-mate Abdul Razak.
Ivory coast midfielder Razak was a long-time target for the Seagulls but manager Gus Poyet has revealed the move for the attack-minded Assulin was unplanned and prompted by Will Hoskins joining Sheffield United on loan.
Poyet told The Argus: “We were not looking to bring in another player after Razak. This was something that came along that I thought was very interesting. When there is something unique and unexpected like this I think it’s a no brainer.
“Gai was one of the top young talents in the world four or five years ago and he was very unlucky with an injury.
“He is still very young. He has got an incredible amount of quality and he can really make a difference but for any young player he needs to be playing and right now at Man City that is very difficult.
“He is an offensive player without any doubt, not a midfielder. He can play up front, wide or behind the striker.”
Razak, 19, has been signed on a 93-day loan through to the end of the season, including the play-offs. Assulin, 20, has been signed initially until March 19, with a view to staying for 93 days as well.
Poyet explained: “Razak is the midfielder we have been trying to sign and we wanted to make feel part of the way we play. He has got the ability and now we need him to learn very quickly and adapt to us.
“At the moment, because of the way we play, he is going to have to play in front of Liam (Bridcutt) or Alan (Navarro), depending on who takes the deeper role, but he is young, energetic, athletic, good on the ball.
“We just need to make him part of the way we play and how much we care about the ball. That takes sometimes one day, sometimes a few weeks, sometimes months. It’s up to us and up to him.
“The situation with Gai Assulin is different because of his position on the field. It is more of an opportunity for both parties. With the departure of Will Hoskins and because of him being available and because of the way he plays and we play it suits everyone.
“If he shows what I think he can show and he is happy and Man City are happy then he could stay very easily. We didn’t want to bring him here and then not play him for three months.
“I don’t really like loans for a month but when a unique opportunity like this comes along you have to take it.”
Albion’s double deal with the Premier League leaders ends their squad strengthening. “We are not looking for any more players,” Poyet said.
“Now all the recruitment system is based on what we think could be needed for next year, either Championship or Premier League, depending on what’s coming, but mostly Championship because I’m realistic.”
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