Brighton head into the 2025-26 Premier League season with renewed optimism after narrowly missing out on European qualification in Fabian Hürzeler's first campaign. The German head coach, who took over from Roberto De Zerbi, guided the Seagulls to a respectable finish despite a raft of injuries and a costly spring slump that saw them take just one point from four league games. A defeat to Nottingham Forest on penalties in the FA Cup quarter-finals also stunted progress, but three wins to end the season left Brighton only one point short of their record points tally from 2023.
Chairman Tony Bloom has expressed hope for more this season, with Hürzeler now a year wiser as the youngest permanent Premier League manager. The team's attack was prolific, scoring 66 goals – joint fifth-highest in the division – but defensive frailties saw them concede 59. Strengthening the backline has been a priority, with the long-term replacement for veteran captain Lewis Dunk, who enters the final year of his contract, a key focus. Summer signings include Italy Under-21 centre-back Diego Coppola, free agent Olivier Boscagli from PSV, and exciting Belgium left-back Maxim De Cuyper.
The departure of João Pedro to Chelsea for £60m has been offset by the arrival of highly rated 18-year-old Greek striker Charalampos Kostoulas, who joined for an initial fee of almost £30m. Fellow Greece Under-21 international Stefanos Tzimas and Sunderland's playoff hero Tommy Watson add further attacking depth. Kaoru Mitoma remains a key figure despite speculation over his future, and the squad looks well-equipped to sustain a push for Europe.
Hürzeler has won over fans with his passionate approach, revealing in an interview that he loves watches and Coldplay but never sits down to watch television. “I’m a big believer that the limit for our body is really high, and I think we don’t always try to push our limits,” he said. Brighton's players are expected to be well-prepared for the new season.
Financially, the club remains robust after posting a £73.3m profit in March, largely from the sale of Moisés Caicedo to Chelsea. Bloom, who invested over £400m since becoming chair in 2009, also bought 29% of Hearts in June. Chief executive Paul Barber has committed to the club until 2030. Much is expected of Kostoulas, who became the youngest player to appear for Olympiakos' B team at 15 and won the Uefa Youth League last year. He will learn from veteran Danny Welbeck, who finished as joint top scorer last season and turns 35 in November.
Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, identified by CIES Football Observatory as potentially the world's most valuable goalkeeper with a projected fee of £54m, will need to show more consistency after making several costly errors last season. The Dutchman, who joined from Anderlecht for £16m in 2023, must retain Hürzeler's faith to keep his place.
