Japanese international Kaoru Mitoma was rumored to be on Al Nassr’s radar during the January transfer window.
The Saudi Pro League side tabled a £60 million bid for the winger, but Brighton swiftly rejected the offer.
While Al Nassr was expected to return with an improved bid before the window shut, no further approach materialized.
Following Mitoma’s match-winning goal against Chelsea in the FA Cup on Saturday night, Brighton boss Fabian Hürzeler was asked for his thoughts on the transfer speculation.
“But I think he’s also pleased that he’s playing for Brighton because he also knows what he gets from us and he knows that he can develop here.
“He showed his commitment from the first day. He was never asked in the club to respond to that offer. So we showed an impressive reaction beside and on the pitch.”
Brighton responded brilliantly to their 7-0 loss at Nottingham Forest, securing a well-earned 2-1 victory over Chelsea at the Amex.
Only one change was made to the lineup, with a fit-again Carlos Baleba replacing Joao Pedro.
Baleba played a key role in the FA Cup fourth-round triumph, bringing stability to the midfield, while Jack Hinshelwood looked much more composed alongside him.
Hurzeler said: “I think we all know that Carlos has an impact on our game because of his physicality, because of his quality in possession. Today he proved it in an impressive way. He was very present, he played very mature and we are happy to have him back.”
Georginio Rutter delivered a standout performance, scoring the equalizer before providing the assist for the winning goal.
Hurzeler said: “I think he showed that he adapted to the Premier League, that he can play very intense and that he can be resilient in personal duels. There were a lot of personal duels today and he proved that he can win the majority of them.
“That’s why I’m happy with him. But in general, we can go through now all the individual players. They all showed a great reaction and a great performance.”
Not everything went Brighton’s way, as Lewis Dunk was forced off at halftime with an injury. He initially went down in his own box late in the first half but managed to continue briefly before the break.
“We have to see it,” Hurzeler said. “There will be a scan and then I can say more.”
