Jeremy Sarmiento stands out as one of the most exciting young talents in football today. This dynamic Ecuadorian winger combines speed, skill, and creativity to thrill fans wherever he plays. Born in Spain but proudly representing Ecuador on the international stage, Jeremy captivates audiences with his flair on the ball and his ability to change games in an instant. As of February 2026, he brings his talents to Middlesbrough in the EFL Championship on a loan deal from Brighton & Hove Albion, a move that sparks hope for promotion and personal growth. Fans and experts alike see him as a key player who can deliver that special “X-factor” in crucial matches.
In this in-depth article, we explore Jeremy Sarmiento’s journey from his early days to his current chapter. We cover his background, youth career, club moves, international achievements, playing style, recent performances, and future prospects. Whether you follow the Championship closely or cheer for Ecuador, this guide gives you everything you need to know about this rising star.
Early Life and Background
Jeremy Leonel Sarmiento Morante enters the world on June 16, 2002, in Madrid, Spain. His Ecuadorian parents instill a strong connection to their heritage, even though he grows up in Europe. This dual background shapes his identity and opens doors in football. He develops a love for the game early, and his natural talent shines through quickly.
Jeremy joins the youth academy at Benfica in Portugal during his formative years. There, he hones his skills in a competitive environment that values technical ability and tactical awareness. Benfica scouts spot his potential as a winger who can dribble past defenders and create chances. He impresses in youth competitions, but he seeks more opportunities to Karen Carney Wife play regular senior football. This ambition leads him to England, where he signs with Brighton & Hove Albion in 2019. The move proves pivotal, as Brighton builds a reputation for nurturing young talents and giving them pathways to first-team action or valuable loans.
Jeremy adapts quickly to English football’s physical demands and fast pace. He represents England at youth levels, including the U18 side where he earns six caps and scores one goal. However, his Ecuadorian roots pull him toward La Tri. In October 2021, he makes his senior debut for Ecuador in World Cup qualifiers. He commits fully to Ecuador, and today he boasts 24 caps with 2 goals for the national team. This international experience adds depth to his profile and makes him a source of national pride back home.
Youth Career and Breakthrough at Brighton
Jeremy arrives at Brighton as a promising teenager full of raw potential. The club integrates him into their development system, where he plays for the under-23s and gains exposure in Premier League 2. Coaches praise his versatility—he operates comfortably on either wing or as an attacking midfielder. His right-footedness allows him to cut inside from the left and unleash powerful shots or precise crosses.
Brighton gives Jeremy his first taste of senior football in cup competitions. He makes substitute appearances and shows glimpses of his quality. However, first-team minutes in the Premier League remain limited due to the squad’s depth. Brighton managers value his potential but decide loans offer the best path for regular play and development. This strategy works well for many Seagulls prospects, and Jeremy follows suit.
Loan Spells and Championship Success
Jeremy embarks on a series of impactful loan moves that build his experience and resume. In 2022, he joins Blackburn Rovers in the Championship. He Everton Transfer features in several matches and learns the league’s intensity. The following season brings more opportunities elsewhere.
The 2023-2024 campaign marks a breakthrough. Jeremy first loans to West Bromwich Albion, where he starts matches and contributes goals and assists. Mid-season, he moves to Ipswich Town, another Championship side pushing for promotion. At Ipswich, he thrives—he scores four goals in 22 appearances, including a memorable late winner against Southampton on Easter Monday. His pace and directness trouble defenses, and he helps Ipswich secure promotion to the Premier League. Fans remember him fondly for his energy and clutch moments.
In 2024-2025, Jeremy loans to Burnley, another newly promoted side. He plays a key role in their setup and nets four goals across 37 matches. His consistency earns praise, as he adapts to different tactical systems while maintaining high output. These loans prove he excels in the Championship, where he combines flair with hard work.
The 2025-2026 season starts differently. Jeremy heads to Serie A on loan with Cremonese. He struggles for minutes there, making only seven substitute appearances before the loan ends early in January 2026. Cremonese terminates the deal prematurely, and Jeremy returns to Brighton briefly.
Latest Move: Joining Middlesbrough in January 2026
On January 27, 2026, Jeremy Sarmiento completes a significant transfer to Middlesbrough. He joins on loan from Brighton until the end of the 2025-2026 season, with an obligation to buy under certain conditions (reports suggest a future fee around £3.4 million, with Brighton covering part of his wages). Middlesbrough, sitting second in the Championship and chasing automatic promotion to the Premier League, sees Jeremy as a game-changer.
Head coach Kim Hellberg welcomes the signing warmly. He states that Jeremy fits perfectly into Middlesbrough’s style of play, praising his attitude, communication, and footballing qualities. Experts call him the “X-factor” player who can unlock tight defenses in the final stretch of the campaign. Middlesbrough fans buzz with excitement—this The Lens vs PSG marks the club’s third January addition alongside Leo Castledine and Fin Munroe.
So far in the 2025-2026 Championship season with Middlesbrough, Jeremy has featured in limited minutes (around 6 minutes across a couple of matches as of early February data). He aims to ramp up his involvement and help Boro secure promotion. The loan includes cup match eligibility, giving him chances to shine further.
International Career with Ecuador
Jeremy commits to Ecuador early and never looks back. He debuts on October 8, 2021, and quickly becomes a regular in squads for World Cup qualifiers and Copa América. He earns 24 caps and scores 2 goals, contributing to Ecuador’s competitive showings in CONMEBOL competitions.
Ecuador values his versatility—he plays on the wings or centrally to create overloads. His experience in England helps him handle high-pressure games. Fans hope he stars in upcoming tournaments, including potential World Cup involvement. Jeremy represents a new generation of Ecuadorian talent blending European polish with South American passion.
Playing Style and Strengths
Jeremy Sarmiento excites fans with his attacking flair. He stands 178 cm tall and uses his right foot predominantly, which makes him deadly when cutting Sheffield Wednesday in from the left wing. He dribbles past opponents with ease, delivers accurate crosses, and shoots powerfully from distance.
Key strengths include:
Dribbling and pace — He beats defenders one-on-one and accelerates quickly.
Creativity — He creates chances with clever passes and vision.
Versatility — He adapts to wing positions or attacking midfield roles.
Work rate — He tracks back defensively and fits modern pressing systems.
Critics note he sometimes needs consistency in end product, but his loans show improvement. At 23 years old, he still develops, and regular play at Middlesbrough could elevate him further.
Stats and Achievements Overview
Jeremy accumulates solid numbers across his career. He scores key goals in promotion pushes with Ipswich and Burnley. Internationally, his 2 goals come in meaningful matches.
Recent stats highlight his impact:
Ipswich Town (2023-2024 loan): 4 goals in 22 appearances.
Burnley (2024-2025 loan): 4 goals in 37 matches.
Cremonese (2025 loan): Limited to 7 substitute appearances.
Middlesbrough (2026 loan): Early stages with potential for more contributions.
His market value hovers around €7.6 million (some estimates at €4.6 million), reflecting his potential. Brighton holds his contract until June 2027, but the Middlesbrough move could lead to permanence.
Future Prospects and What Lies Ahead
Jeremy Sarmiento stands at a crossroads in 2026. Success with Middlesbrough could secure a permanent transfer and Premier League return. Promotion Kilmarnock vs Celtic would reunite him with top-flight football, where he aims to establish himself.
If he shines in the Championship run-in, bigger clubs might notice. His Ecuador role grows, too—he could become a starter in major tournaments. At just 23, Jeremy has time to fulfill his promise. Hard work, smart decisions, and continued development position him for a bright future.
FAQs About Jeremy Sarmiento
1. Who is Jeremy Sarmiento and where does he play right now?
Jeremy Sarmiento is a 23-year-old professional footballer who plays as a winger or attacking midfielder. As of February 2026, he plays for Middlesbrough in the EFL Championship on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion until the end of the 2025-2026 season, with an obligation to buy under certain conditions. He represents Ecuador internationally.
2. When and where was Jeremy Sarmiento born?
Jeremy Sarmiento was born on June 16, 2002, in Azzedine Ounahi Madrid, Spain, to Ecuadorian parents. This gives him dual heritage, though he commits his international career to Ecuador.
3. Which youth teams did Jeremy Sarmiento represent before switching to Ecuador?
Jeremy represented England at youth levels, including six caps and one goal for the England U18 team. He also played for England U17. However, he made his senior debut for Ecuador in 2021 and has stayed loyal to La Tri since then.
4. What are Jeremy Sarmiento’s key loan spells in his career?
Jeremy enjoyed successful loans at Ipswich Town (4 goals in 22 games in 2023-2024, helping promotion), Burnley (4 goals in 37 matches in 2024-2025), and shorter stints at Blackburn Rovers and West Bromwich Albion. His 2025 loan at Cremonese in Serie A saw limited play, leading to an early return.
5. Why did Jeremy Sarmiento join Middlesbrough in January 2026?
Middlesbrough signed Jeremy on loan from Brighton to boost their promotion push in the Championship. The deal includes an obligation to buy if conditions are met. Coach Kim Hellberg praises how Jeremy fits the team’s style, and experts expect him to provide creativity and an “X-factor” in the final games.
6. How many caps and goals does Jeremy Sarmiento have for Ecuador?
Jeremy has earned 24 caps for Ecuador and scored 2 goals as of the latest updates in 2026. He debuted in October 2021 during World Cup qualifiers and remains a regular squad member.
7. What is Jeremy Sarmiento’s playing style and main strengths?
Jeremy excels as a right-footed winger who cuts Wrexham AFC inside from the left, dribbles past defenders, creates chances, and shoots powerfully. He brings pace, vision, versatility, and a strong work rate. Coaches value his fit in pressing and attacking systems.
8. Has Jeremy Sarmiento won any major team achievements?
Jeremy contributed to Ipswich Town’s promotion to the Premier League in 2023-2024 and played key roles in Burnley’s campaigns. While he hasn’t won major trophies yet, his loans help teams achieve promotion and success in competitive leagues.
9. What is Jeremy Sarmiento’s current market value and contract situation?
Estimates place Jeremy’s market value around €4.6 million to €7.6 million. His Brighton contract runs until June 2027, but the Middlesbrough loan could become permanent based on performance clauses.
10. What does the future hold for Jeremy Sarmiento in 2026 and beyond?
Jeremy aims to help Middlesbrough win George Hincapie promotion to the Premier League in 2026. Strong performances could lead to a permanent move and regular top-flight football. Internationally, he targets bigger roles with Ecuador in qualifiers and tournaments. At 23, consistent play positions him for a long, successful career.
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