During the January transfer window, an intricate transfer dispute unfolded involving Brighton & Hove Albion, West Ham United, and FC Nordsjælland’s forward, Ibrahim Osman. The competition seemed to favor West Ham initially; however, complications arose leading to a collapsed deal. Accusations flew regarding the Danish club’s high demands and allegations of excessive commission requests by an agent named Mitch Bakkovens.
Amidst the chaos, the Danish Football Association (DBU) recognized Darryl Powell as Osman’s legitimate representative under a two-year contract, further entangling the situation. Despite these complexities, Brighton emerged victorious, securing Osman’s signature for a summer move in a €19.5m agreement.
Seeking clarity, Danish media reached out to Osman, who confidently identified Mitch Bakkovens as his sole agent, dismissing any concerns over the negotiation’s leadership. Darryl Powell, officially recognized by DBU as Osman’s agent until December 2024, expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation. Powell hinted at a deeper underlying issue and mentioned potential legal action to unearth the truth.
As Brighton prepares to welcome Osman, the unresolved conflict between the agents and the clubs casts a shadow over the transfer, suggesting that the saga is far from over.
