With Brighton and Hove Albion quick to make signings in a truncated transfer window, what will this mean for Shane Duffy?
The Seagulls have already moved for Adam Lallana, with the 32-year-old attacking midfielder joining on a free. But a signing in defence may augur badly for Duffy as Graham Potter continues his evolution of their play.
When Chris Hughton was removed from his position in May 2019, Potter was appointed with the idea of getting a more free-flowing style at the Amex Stadium.
With that in mind, they have signed Ajax's central defender Joel Veltman, for the relative pittance of £900,000.
💙 @joel_veltman on why he chose squad number 3️⃣4️⃣ for the Albion.
👏 Paying tribute to his former @AFCAjax teammate Abdelhak Nouri.#BHAFC 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/58Il1tS8A8— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) July 30, 2020
With Veltman's signature, Shane Duffy now finds himself likely the fifth-choice central defender after Lewis Dunk, Adam Webster, Veltman and the returning Ben White. White has shone brightly on loan at Leeds United, where he played a key role in their promotion.
Duffy's chances may be bolstered by the likely departure of Dunk and White, with both being tracked by some of the biggest clubs in the country.
Duffy was linked with Burnley in the January transfer window, and one wonders whether the Derryman fancies swapping competing with Dunk and Webster to battling with Ben Mee and James Tarkowski.
Shane Duffy
Potter has been glowing in his praise for Duffy, but one has to wonder whether his time at the Seagulls is up.
“Shane has had a difficult time, so it was great for him to contribute last Tuesday,” the Brighton manager said of Duffy after his appearance in the 0-0 draw with Leicester after the restart.
“He’s been first-class around the place. He’s a great example for us. Nobody was happier than him after the Arsenal win. He’ll always fight and compete for you.”
Is Duffy's time in the Premier League up? With the departure of Nathan Ake, Bournemouth would certainly appreciate a recognised centre-back of good quality, as would Watford to complement Craig Dawson.
West Bromwich Albion might be on the lookout, but Burnley may be his best bet for the moment. Duffy fits the bill of the dedicated, honest professional that Sean Dyche appreciates.
It certainly appears that the next few weeks will have an impact on Ireland fans and Stephen Kenny's plans.
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