The Bafana Bafana star is set to finally taste Premier League football after some loan spells in Belgium
Brighton and Hove Albion manager Graham Potter has revealed that South Africa international Percy Tau could make his Seagulls debut in Sunday’s FA Cup third-round trip to Newport County after the Premier League club recalled the player from a loan stint at Anderlecht.
Tau began training with Brighton on Thursday, to end two-and-half seasons on loan in Belgium at Union Saint-Gilloise, Club Brugge and Anderlecht, after leaving Mamelodi Sundowns in July 2018.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns star was finally granted a work permit, sped up by a new points-based system for non-English players which came into effect last week following Britain’s exit from the European Union.
“We’re pleased to be able to welcome Percy to the club and begin working with him. I know he’s a player whose progress many of our fans have followed in recent seasons,” Potter told the Brighton website.
“We too have closely monitored his performances in Belgium in the last three years. He’s been playing at a really good level, particularly with Brugge and Anderlecht where he has been involved in the Champions League, and his next step is to show he is ready to make the transition into the Premier League.
“He brings some different attributes and qualities to the group and he wants to take the next step in his career. We’re looking forward to working with him. It was his first day today and it’s exciting for all of us. He’s been training and playing in Belgium. He’s in the group for Sunday.”
Anderlecht also confirmed Tau’s departure as they bade him farewell.
Tau’s France-based Bafana Bafana teammate Lebo Mothiba is convinced that the 26-year-old will thrive playing Premier League football.
“He is a player with a lot of potential. Of course, when he comes he will have to adapt, like any player. But, for me, he can play in the Premier League. His pace is key to that,” Mothiba told The Argus.
Tau returns to Brighton after scoring four goals and making one assist in 14 Belgian First Division A matches this season.
Since Steven Pienaar left Sunderland in 2017, South Africa has had no international turning out for a Premier League side.
𝘼𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙘𝙮 𝙏𝙖𝙪
Percy Tau *announced*
Albion have today recalled striker Percy Tau from his loan spell with Belgian club Anderlecht. 🇿🇦
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) January 7, 2021
Percy Tau retourne à Brighton. We’re going to miss that smile. Good luck, Percy! 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/fSGD0bBFf8
— RSC Anderlecht (@rscanderlecht) January 7, 2021
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