Isaiah Brown at the centre of conflicting reports over a move to Huddersfield Town
By George Perry
Huddersfield Town want Isaiah Brown to continue what he started during the Terriers’ promotion run. Whether they want him on another loan or a permanent transfer is the question between two conflicting reports today.
Isaiah Brown split his 2016/17 season between Championship clubs Rotherham and Huddersfield Town. Neither will play in the Championship next season, with Rotherham dropping to League One and Huddersfield winning promotion to the Premier League. Brown is likely going to ride the Terriers’ promotion into the top flight, but how he does so is is the subject of a report and a denial.
The Telegraph reported this morning that Huddersfield and Chelsea were nearing agreement on an £8 million transfer for Brown. This was the first time that a permanent transfer was mentioned for the 20-year midfielder. All earlier reports indicated that he would stay at Huddersfield as a loanee.
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Even though this was a new rumour, it was not an outlandish possibility. Brown made 18 appearances and scored 4 goals, tying him for third-place at the club despite only being there from January. David Wagner needs to reinforce his squad, particularly with young players. Brown had proven himself, and may have welcomed the idea because of the promise of consistent playing time for years to come, something he would not find at Chelsea.
The Huddersfield Daily Examiner, though, unequivocally denied the rumour of a transfer. Despite not quoting any sources at the club, the local paper directly refuted The Telegraph. They said another season on loan was the only transaction under consideration.
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The least likely aspect of The Telegraph’s post is the low transfer fee. Chelsea rarely sell a young player of Isaiah Brown’s potential. Other clubs may sell a player like Brown for £8 million, but the Chelsea way would be to continue loaning him out until his value rises. Chelsea do not need the money. They have held on to less-talented players for longer in order to squeeze out more pounds in loan fees and the eventual transfer.
This is a somewhat unusual situation, even for silly season. The Telegraph is one of the more reliable sources of transfer rumours. They avoid the “random rumour generator” method of summer reporting, and rarely (if ever) make outlandish claims.
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The Huddersfield Daily Examiner, though, is the local media outlet that may be much closer to the club. For them to refute The Telegraph – by name and within a matter of hours of the Telegraph posting their story – indicates that they know something more. Otherwise, they risk looking foolish by trying to spar with a top media outlet.