Jeremy Sarmiento Hints at Permanent Cremonese Move: “This Can Become My Home”

Brighton & Hove Albion winger Jeremy Sarmiento has suggested he’s open to making his loan spell at Cremonese permanent, revealing how much he’s enjoying life in Italy. The Ecuador international joined the Serie A side on loan in the summer, with an option to buy — which becomes an obligation if Cremonese avoid relegation.

Since arriving in Cremona, Sarmiento has made six league appearances and is gradually becoming a key part of Davide Nicola’s surprising mid-table side. Speaking to CR1’s Il Grigio e il Rosso, as relayed by CremonaSport, the 23-year-old expressed both satisfaction and ambition in his new surroundings.

“If you look at the places I’ve been, I’ve already travelled a lot,” Sarmiento said. “This is my current challenge. I have to face it, and I hope to become a better player here and show people what I’m capable of. This can become my home.”

Sarmiento joined Brighton from Benfica in 2021 and showed flashes of talent under Roberto De Zerbi before injuries and tactical competition limited his minutes. His move to Italy appears to have revived his confidence. The winger spoke fondly of his teammates and how quickly he’s adapted off the pitch.

“Faye, Bondo — they’re my dressing room neighbours — and Sanabria, who’s Paraguayan like me, we have a South American bond,” he said. “Even the others welcomed me really well, including Vardy, who came from the Premier League like me.”

Cremonese’s squad chemistry has been one of the key drivers behind their strong start to the Serie A campaign. Currently sitting 10th, Nicola’s men have shown resilience and structure reminiscent of his earlier successful stints at Torino and Salernitana.

Sarmiento’s development in Italy has also been about learning a new position. Once a natural winger, he’s been asked to play centrally — either as a second striker or an attacking midfielder. The Ecuadorian admits the transition has been challenging but rewarding.

“It’s very different for me,” he explained. “Last season and the season before that I played as a winger. It’s different playing as a central midfielder or second striker. But I’m working day after day to improve in this position, gaining confidence with the staff and my teammates.”

His adaptability and tactical intelligence are earning him praise from Nicola’s staff, who value his willingness to learn and fit into a system that prizes energy and discipline over individual flair.

Sarmiento also drew parallels between Nicola’s management style and that of his former Brighton coach Roberto De Zerbi.

“I know De Zerbi well,” he said. “He’s a great man on and off the pitch, very similar to Coach Nicola — especially in character. I like their passion for success and their desire to win. They both work day after day to bring out the best in their players.”

This alignment in coaching philosophy seems to have helped Sarmiento settle quicker. His focus now is on earning consistent starts and contributing to Cremonese’s push for a top-half finish — which would automatically trigger a permanent transfer from Brighton.

In our view, Sarmiento’s decision to embrace his Italian adventure could prove to be the turning point in his career. At Brighton, competition for attacking places is fierce, with Fabian Hürzeler favouring fluid positional play that left Sarmiento on the fringes. In Cremona, he’s becoming a focal point — trusted, adaptable, and increasingly confident.

If he continues this trajectory, the €34m-rated youngster could either earn a full transfer or return to England as a far more polished and tactically mature player. Either way, this loan spell looks like a win-win for both clubs and for Sarmiento himself.

Cremonese face Pisa on 7 November before meeting AS Roma on 23 November — matches that could further cement Sarmiento’s spot in the starting XI. Should the club maintain their strong league form, the Ecuadorian’s wish to make Italy his permanent home may soon become reality.

👉 Brighton fans — would you like to see Sarmiento return to the Amex, or is Cremonese the right long-term fit for him?