The League One star who rejected Real Madrid and £1m offer to join Bellingham
Caylan Vickers, a product of the Reading academy, made his first-team debut in August against Peterborough, showcasing his potential with an immediate impact. Throughout the season, he made 14 EFL appearances for Reading, scoring once in 619 minutes of playtime. Due to Reading’s financial struggles, Vickers drew interest from several top clubs, including Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Celtic.
Despite these suitors, Vickers ultimately joined Brighton for an undisclosed fee, signing a three-and-a-half-year deal with the club. At Brighton, Vickers aims to prove himself under manager Roberto De Zerbi, starting from the youth squads. Brighton’s Under-23 manager, Shannon Ruth, expressed confidence in Vickers’ abilities, noting his exposure to League One and impressive performances in Premier League 2.
Brighton has a track record of providing young talents with opportunities at the highest level, exemplified by players like Evan Ferguson and Julio Enciso who have thrived within the club. Overall, Vickers’ decision to join Brighton was driven by the clear pathway to first-team football and the opportunity to continue his development and growth within the club’s environment.
