Squad Reshuffle Under Way at Brighton Following Early Transfer Activity | OneFootball

Brighton Begin Summer Squad Restructure After Joao Pedro Departure

Focus Shifts to Outgoings After Busy Start

Brighton’s summer began with a flourish of arrivals but is now shifting towards necessary exits. Joao Pedro’s high-profile switch to Chelsea, just a year after his club-record arrival, marks a turning point in Brighton’s transfer window. Head coach Fabian Hürzeler has welcomed six new faces, yet the emphasis is already turning towards balance.

“We bought now a lot of players, I think to sell some players, that’s the next part of this process,” Hürzeler told reporters, reflecting the need to trim a senior squad that currently holds 30 players who require Premier League registration.

The list of summer additions is considerable. Maxim De Cuyper joins from Club Brugge for £17.3 million, bolstering the left flank where Pervis Estupiñán has long been first choice. Defensive reinforcements include Diego Coppola from Hellas Verona and Olivier Boscagli from PSV, while youth has also been prioritised. Greek striker Charalampos Kostoulas, signed for £29.6 million, and winger Tom Watson from Sunderland add attacking depth. Stefanos Tzimas and Yoon Do-young also arrive, though the latter will be loaned out for development.

Photo: IMAGO

Goalkeeper Decisions Await

Bart Verbruggen and Jason Steele are the established first-team pair, but a glut of goalkeepers is causing congestion. Carl Rushworth, now 24 and still awaiting his senior debut, is attracting both permanent and loan interest after multiple stints away. James Beadle, fresh from European Under-21 success with England, has joined Birmingham City on loan.

Kjell Scherpen’s future lies elsewhere. After two title-winning seasons in Austria with Sturm Graz, the Dutchman made his position clear: “For me, it is clear that I have to play and take the next step. Bart Verbruggen stays in Brighton, so the door is not open to me.”

Defensive Traffic Builds

The additions of Coppola and Boscagli create real competition at centre-back. Jan Paul van Hecke was a regular last term, and club captain Lewis Dunk is expected to extend his stay. That leaves Igor Julio, Adam Webster and Eiran Cashin facing uncertain roles.

Igor and Webster managed just 10 and 11 league starts respectively last season and have generated interest. Cashin, signed from Derby County in January, is highly rated but may be sent on loan to gain minutes.

Valentin Barco has already departed permanently after his loan at Strasbourg became permanent in an £8.5 million deal.

Midfield Needs Refinement

The centre of midfield remains overstocked. Carlos Baleba has suitors, though none have firmed up their interest. Matt O’Riley and Mats Wieffer endured mixed debut campaigns. Injuries disrupted both, and O’Riley, in particular, has grown frustrated at limited opportunities.

Photo IMAGO

While Brighton are not actively seeking to sell O’Riley, they will entertain the right offer. Malick Yalcouye, meanwhile, could return to Austria on loan following a strong season with Sturm Graz.

Attacking Roles Under Review

Joao Pedro’s exit reduces attacking numbers, though not dramatically. Kaoru Mitoma remains a cornerstone but his future depends on offers. Al Nassr failed with bids of £54 million and £61 million in January. Only a Champions League-level proposal would prompt the Japanese winger to consider a move. He remains committed, though reports of a contract renewal are, according to sources, “fake news.”

Mitoma’s presence and Watson’s arrival cast doubt on Simon Adingra’s role. Limited to 12 league starts, the Ivorian could depart if the right proposal emerges.

Facundo Buonanotte, Julio Enciso and Evan Ferguson all had loan spells last term and may move again. Enciso is the likeliest to leave permanently, while Buonanotte could be sent on loan to secure homegrown status.