Football
Exclusive: Brighton Launch £5m Bid for Charlton Starlet Micah Mbick
Brighton have a £5 million war chest to sign Charlton's Micah Mbick. The 19-year-old striker, on loan at Colchester, has been in top form with 8 goals in 23 games. Brighton are set to make a third bid as they aim to secure the England U20 star before the January transfer window closes. Charlton are holding out for a higher fee, with fans divided on whether to sell or keep the talented youngster. Stay tuned to see if Brighton's offer will be enough to land Mbick.
Cambridge United v Charlton Athletic - Carabao Cup Second Round by NurPhoto | Getty Images
Brighton and Hove Albion are preparing a third and improved bid to land Micah Mbick, the sensational 19‑year‑old striker currently on loan at Colchester United, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.
The Seagulls have already had two offers rejected by Charlton Athletic, the highest of which was believed to be £3.5 million.
But our sources have learnt that the Premier League side are now ready to push up to £5 million to get the England U20 star through the door before the January window shuts, with scouts and recruitment chiefs said to be desperate to secure his signature.
The Addicks have stood firm so far, insisting Mbick is a big‑value asset worth far more than the offers tabled so far, especially given his remarkable progression from academy standout to senior football impact player.
The sought-after hitman’s for has been eye‑catching. This season on loan at Colchester in League Two, Mbick has been a goals and chance‑creation force.
He has bagged eight goals in 23 games and is tipped as a real start for the future – and that’s why the Seagulls are keen to get a deal done.
Additionally, Charlton could enter the race for Jesurun Rak-Sakyi after the Crystal Palace winger signals a preference for England, with Stoke and Swansea also reportedly interested.
STUNNING MOMENTS
Mbick has enjoyed some standout moments this season, including a brace in a 2‑1 win over Grimsby Town and winning Sky Bet League Two Goal of the Month for a stunning individual strike in October.
His form has also brought international recognition. He earned his first England U20 call‑up in November 2025 and made his debut in a 1–1 draw with Japan.
And, while Brighton are said to be determined to push for him, bustling social media chatter suggests Charlton fans are torn between cashing in and keeping a homegrown star to aid their Championship campaign.
With less than two weeks left in January, all eyes are on whether the Seagulls third bid will be the one that finally pries Mbick away or whether Charlton will keep the youngster.
Mbick is currently contracted to Charlton until 2028 with the option of a further year, but money talks and the Addicks could well cash in if the price is right.
Neil has been a journalist for longer than he'd care to remember, having written for national newspapers and respected publications for over 25 years. For the last three years he has worked freelance for BBC Sport, working on the production desk as a sub-editor and also as a writer, covering a whole range of sports.