Posted by

Harjeet Johal ,

September 1, 2016 Twitter

@HarJournalist

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BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - Brighton & Hove Albion have a young new standout full-back in their midst and it didn't cost the organization a hefty transfer wage on deadline day. Sam Adekugbe has been a pleasant addition to the club after joining the Seagulls on July 15 on a season long loan from Major League Soccer club, Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Adekugbe has already had an eventful time in the south of England, with cup goal and a newly acquired hamstring niggle. The 21 year-old spoke exclusively to Red Nation Online in Lancing, this week about his new venture and experience in England. "I think it's been going very well," said Adekugbe. "It's been a good transition. I'm getting use to life in England. I'm comfortable in the environment I'm in right now. I just want to do well and hopefully enjoy my time here." Adekugbe had previously gone on a training sting with Brighton & Hove last December following the conclusion of MLS fixtures and playoffs. He enjoyed his opportunity last winter and jumped at the chance of a possible return to Brighton & Hove for a longer duration. Vancouver Manager, Carl Robinson quickly helped put the season long loan in place. "It was quick in a sense," revealed Adekugbe, "It was brought up to me and I've always wanted to play in England. I though it was really an opportunity I couldn't turn down. I've always wanted to play in England and so the chance came, I thought I should take it. Robbo (Carl Robinson) supports my decision, he still likes me as a player and I can still come back. It's just an exciting opportunity that I couldn't turn down." Adekugbe has already become a bit of a fan favourite with the Seagulls supporters after scoring a cracker of a goal just 68 seconds into a second round English Football League Cup win over Oxford United on August 23 at Kassam Stadium. Adekugbe broke down the left flank and fired a rocket top corner, near post, past the Simon Eastwood.



That was Adekugbe's first goal with his new club, and he was proper chuffed. "I was happy," said Adekugbe, "It was my first goal and I was even more happy that we were able to get the win and qualify for the next round. I think it's just a sign of how well things have gone here. Obviously I want to continue in that direction." Way to go, @SamAdekugbe!#VWFC fullback scores first pro goal in Brighton's #EFLCup win: https://t.co/oWxQDAl2cB pic.twitter.com/DJttGI4iwA — Vancouver Whitecaps (@WhitecapsFC) August 23, 2016

Brighton & Hove Albion will return to English Football League Cup action when they play Reading FC in third round action on the 20th of September. This layoff between cup fixtures will allow Adekugbe to fully regain his match fitness after picking up a hamstring injury last Friday vs Fulham in U-23 Premier League action. Adekugbe exited the match in the 73' minute of play. "It was more of a precaution," a relieved Adekugbe said. "It's nothing too serious, thank god. I think it's just a kind of an accumulation of everything that's gone on in the past month. Joining at pre-season, playing in different competitive matches and involved in different groups. There's also a reality check to stay humble and stay with my head down, but it's nothing too serious, I should be back next week. I'm not too worried about it, I'm disappointed, but it's not the end of the world." Thus far Adekugbe has split his time between the first team in English League Football Cup action and the U-23 Premier League play. He is yet to make his Sky-Bet Championship League debut. If his strong play continues and he blossoms, Manager Chris Hughton will have a growing tough decision to make at left-back as the long Championship fixture season progresses. "He hasn't really talked to me about where I'm playing," admitted Adekugbe. "I kind of take every game as it comes. Obviously I'm in different environments. I've been training with the first team, the U-23's. I've been playing with the first team, playing with the U-23's so I think it's covering all the different areas. The gaffer is happy with what I have done. In the time that I have been here I think it's been a very good start and I that's something that I just want to continue and take every game as it comes." The Canadian International's English background has been help during his adjustment period across the pond. Born in London, his family moved to Manchester before eventually settling in Calgary, Alberta. Being able to be closer to family and friends in England is an added bonus for Adekugbe as he can look forward to spending time with loved ones on a more regular basis. "I think it aided my decision to come here," said Adekugbe. "It's also an opportunity to see family that I haven't seen in very long. In knowing that I have their support and I can go see them on weekends off, or the days that I do have off. I think that was one of the positive, positive outcomes in coming to Brighton. It also gives me a bit more confidence and a bit more chance to settle in knowing that I do have family here that I can come back to." While Vancouver Whitecaps and Brighton & Hove supporters will be closely monitoring Adekugbe this season, he isn't quite ready to throw his full allegiances towards one specific club. Vancouver and Brighton would both be extremely pleased to see Adekugbe develop and progress with quality minutes in a new environment. If that leads to a permanent move to England, he's not will to answer yet. "That's a difficult question, I mean... I'll answer that question when it comes, for now I can't predict the future. I'm happy here, and I'm happy in Vancouver."



