Brighton Fans’ Forum 2026: Barber on Welbeck, Hurzeler’s aims and Europe plans | OneFootball

Brighton’s 2026 Fans’ Forum at the Amex put Paul Barber and Fabian Hurzeler under scrutiny from supporters.

The Athletic reported Brighton accepted a bid for Danny Welbeck amid fears he was blocking Charalampos Kostoulas and Stefanos Tzimas. Barber said his minutes would drop and, with Chelsea offering two years to Brighton’s one, the club let him go.

Hurzeler felt Brighton could compete to win the Conference League if they handle travel and contrasting styles. He acknowledged European sides often dip in the league, but welcomed extra minutes for youngsters.

On recruitment, Barber would not outline targets, saying public transfer talk is pointless. He called the squad big and stronger, noting even the youngest new signing played at a World Cup, with 19-year-old Luka Vuskovic cited. Hurzeler flagged Ibrahim Osman and Amario Cozier-Duberry as potential first-team options.

Barber said difficult calls on experienced players are unavoidable and past European lessons stressed squad depth, which he believes has improved. Hurzeler intends to stick with a back four, valuing flexibility and principles over formations, and said he is open to solutions for December slumps.

With Tromso a possible playoff trip, Barber expected roughly 400 to 450 away tickets and a high loyalty threshold. He warned travel, cost and short notice could limit take-up, and a club charter was uncertain in peak summer.

Source: WeAreBrighton.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”