Monday 2 September 2019 18:09, UK
Brighton striker Florin Andone has joined Turkish champions Galatasaray on a season-long loan for an undisclosed fee.
The Seagulls have a January recall option as part of the loan agreement for the Romania international.
Andone joined Albion from Deportivo La Coruna in July 2018, having made 69 appearances across two seasons, scoring 18 goals.
Brighton head coach Graham Potter said: "We feel this loan to Galatasaray gives Florin the opportunity to go and play regularly, which he's found difficult here.
"He also has the prospect of Champions League football. We wish Florin well for the season ahead, we have the option of a recall in January and we will closely monitor his progress."
Andone scored his first goals for Brighton in the back-to-back wins over Huddersfield Town and Crystal Palace in December, before scoring in the reverse fixture against the Terriers in March.
The 26-year-old has been capped 26 times by Romania and is due to link up with his national squad for qualifiers against Spain and Malta this week.
Turkish giants Galatasaray have been busy this summer, having recently signed former Manchester United and Chelsea striker Radamel Falcao from Monaco.
They have also had a loan bid accepted by Southampton for Mario Lemina, Sky Sports News understands.
Meanwhile, Potter explained how the emergence of youngsters Aaron Connolly and Steven Alzate as members of his first-team squad have enabled a squad reshuffle which sees Andone and Jurgen Locadia loaned out to Turkey and Germany respectively.
Potter added: "We are comfortable with our attacking options in terms of the players already here, those we've recruited, and on the back of the progress made by both Aaron Connolly and Steven Alzate.
"Both players have earned their opportunity, and are demonstrating their capability at this level. Aaron is a good addition to our goalscoring options alongside Glenn Murray and Neal Maupay.
"Steven also provides an extra attacking option from wide positions, playing just off a striker and in midfield - alongside the likes of Leandro Trossard, Pascal Gross, Solly March, Alireza Jakhanbaksh, and Yves Bissouma and Jose Izquierdo, once they are both back to full fitness."
