Inside story on how Paul Reid and Aaron Mooy helped Brighton capture Sydney FC wonder-kid

Brighton and Hove Albion could well have a new face at the club when the coronavirus lockdown is finally lifted.
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Sydney FC teenager Cameron Peupion was reportedly on the brink of completing a move to Albion, where he would join fellow Australians Maty Ryan and Aaron Mooy.

Peupion, 17, had a trial at Albion recently, having impressed for Australia at the under-17s World Cup last year.

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The central midfielder did well during his 12 day audition at Brighton and the Sydney Morning Herald reported that Sydney FC and Albion are in the final stages of negotiations.

Cameron Peupion in action for Australia at the under-17 World CupCameron Peupion in action for Australia at the under-17 World Cup
Cameron Peupion in action for Australia at the under-17 World Cup

Peupion has yet to make his A-League debut but is considered one of Australia brightest young football talents.

Productive talks on a three-year contract are said to have continued despite the suspension of all football across the major European Leagues.

Former Seagull Paul Reid is an assistant at Sydney FC and the ex-Socceroo, who spent five five season with Albion during his playing career, is aiding negotiations.

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Peupion, who grew up on Sydney’s northern beaches, will link with Brighton’s under-18s but has already trained with the under-23s.

During his trial at Brighton he met with Mooy, which also helped to seal the move.

“He’s always been a player I’ve looked up to and admired, so when he came up and said hello and had a bit of chat it was quite special,” said Peupion.

“We share the same agent (the Stellar Group) and Aaron was told there was an Aussie boy coming to town, and he took me under his wing a little bit.

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“I also got to meet Mat Ryan a couple of times, and those boys were really good to me."

Peupion has made seven appearances for the Australia youth team, including four fine displays at the 2019 under-17 World Cup where the Joeys reached the second round.

The deal is expected to go through without a hitch as Paupion has a French passport, allowing him to move before the UK formally exits the EU on December 31.

“It’s been a dream of mine to play in Europe since I was a little boy, and this is a big step,” added the youngster. “Sydney FC have been really good to me but now is the right time to take the next career step.

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“The facilities there are incredible and I just think it’s a good fit. I loved the place the minute I got there.

“I’m just going work as hard as I can to get to the next level.”

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