Report: Brighton reject approach from rivals for star | OneFootball

Brighton Stand Firm Over Defensive Leader

Brighton have rejected an approach from Nottingham Forest for Lewis Dunk, underlining their determination to retain a cornerstone of the squad. Credit to Sky Sports for first reporting the stance.

The south coast club have no interest in selling the centre-back, who only signed a new contract in December running until 2027. Dunk remains a first-choice option under Fabian Hurzeler, a reflection of both his tactical importance and influence within the dressing room.

Forest’s interest is not new, having previously tracked Dunk last summer, but Brighton’s position has not softened. Internally, there is a clear view that losing such an experienced figure mid-season would undermine stability at a crucial point in the campaign.

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This is exactly the response Brighton fans would want. Dunk is more than a centre-back, he is the embodiment of the club’s rise, a leader who connects the current project with everything Brighton have built over the past decade. Letting him go in January would feel like voluntarily removing the spine of the team.

Supporters understand why Forest would be interested. Dunk offers Premier League know-how, aerial authority and calm distribution, qualities any side fighting for consistency would crave. But Brighton are not in the business of weakening themselves halfway through a season, especially when Europe and league positioning remain realistic ambitions.

The new contract matters too. It sends a message that Brighton can keep their leaders, not merely develop them for others. Fans see Dunk as integral to helping younger defenders settle under Hurzeler, and his presence allows the team to play with confidence from the back.

Turning Forest away reinforces trust in the club’s direction. For Brighton fans, this is about ambition and self-belief, not just one transfer enquiry.