Brighton & Hove Albion are preparing for their ninth consecutive Premier League season, aiming for another top-half finish after securing eighth place last season. Despite narrowly missing out on European qualification, optimism surrounds the club as they head into Fabian Hürzeler's second year as manager.
Key Transfers and Squad Updates
The summer transfer window has been active for Brighton, with several notable signings and departures. Star forward Joao Pedro has joined Chelsea for a reported £60 million. Left-back Pervis Estupinan has also departed, joining AC Milan in a £17 million deal. To fill these gaps, Brighton has brought in several new players, including:
These additions have resulted in a total summer spend of £67.8 million for Brighton. Factoring in player sales, they have a profit of £13.2 million.
With these changes, the confirmed squad numbers for the 2025/26 season have been announced.
Season Expectations and Key Players
Despite the departure of key players like Joao Pedro, Brighton aims to build on last season's success. A strong finish to the 2024-25 campaign, with four wins in their final five matches, has boosted confidence. The team's ability to spread goals across multiple players, rather than relying on one or two stars, was a key feature of their play last season.
Several players are expected to play crucial roles in the upcoming season:
Tactical Approach and Challenges
Under Fabian Hürzeler, Brighton scored 66 goals last season, ranking joint fifth-highest in the league. However, they also conceded 59 goals, highlighting the need to strengthen the defense. The emphasis this summer has been on finding a long-term replacement for veteran captain Lewis Dunk. The signings of Diego Coppola, Olivier Boscagli and Maxim De Cuyper are aimed at building a more settled defensive unit. Hürzeler's tactical approach involves a high line and aggressive defending, which can leave the defense vulnerable if bypassed.
Premier League Predictions
Early predictions suggest Brighton will likely finish in the top half of the table again. While some believe a top-five finish is unrealistic, the club's ambition is to challenge the established elite. Brighton's ability to scout, recruit, and replace players effectively has become a blueprint for other clubs. With a relatively busy transfer window and a year of experience under Hürzeler, Brighton will aim to continue their progress and potentially push for European qualification.
Brighton's first five fixtures of the 2025-26 season are against Fulham (H), Everton (A), Manchester City (H), Bournemouth (A), and Tottenham Hotspur (H).
