Brighton & Hove Albion head into the 2026-27 season with significant squad changes, having lost key players such as Danny Welbeck and Jan Paul van Hecke, while manager Fabian Hürzeler looks to build on last season's eighth-place finish and European qualification.
Summer of Change at the Amex
Last season's final day saw Brighton fans and players celebrate qualifying for the Europa Conference League despite a 3-0 loss to Manchester United. With West Ham and Crystal Palace having won the competition since its inception, lifting that trophy becomes a target.
The summer has brought considerable turnover. Danny Welbeck, last season's outstanding forward and one of the best in England, has followed the traditional trade route to Chelsea, turning 36 in November. James Milner has retired, reducing the veteran class – each older than the 33-year-old Hürzeler – to Pascal Gross, Lewis Dunk, and reserve goalkeeper Jason Steele. Solly March was not offered a new contract, a surprise to the long-serving player whose injury problems counted against him.
Recruitment and European Ambitions
Jan Paul van Hecke, last season's best defender, has been sold to Tottenham for £52m, with teenager Luka Vuskovic moving in the opposite direction. Brighton's recruitment is respected across the industry, with Tony Bloom's Jamestown Analytics company admired and coveted, though not infallible.
Fans enjoyed the Europa League run three seasons ago, reaching the last 16, but it had a negative effect at home, stretching resources and leading to an 11th-place finish. Better is hoped this time around.
Off-Field Developments and Owner Support
Safe standing is being expanded in the South Stand as part of a £40m modernisation project, and the new 1901 Pub offers a hybrid traditional pub and premium matchday lounge, with membership starting at £173 a month.
Owner Tony Bloom increased his investment with a £107m loan in January, bringing the total to £400m. Without his financing, Brighton would not be the established Premier League force they are.
Manager and Key Signings
Hürzeler signed a new three-year contract in May, with Bloom citing a “clear playing identity”. He enters the season as the fifth longest-serving manager in the Premier League.
New arrival Luka Vuskovic, who impressed on loan at Hamburg, is highly regarded for his playmaking abilities from the back. The signing of experienced centre-back Pascal Struijk from Leeds allows Vuskovic time to develop, but he may become a long-term successor to captain Dunk.
Stat Attack and Breakthrough Candidates
Only the two Manchester clubs scored more Premier League goals than Brighton in regular play last season, and they had an identical rate for open play expected goals per game as Arsenal in 2025-26.
Charalampos Kostoulas, a 19-year-old Greece international signed from Olympiakos, showed flashes of talent last season and could lead the line following Welbeck's departure. Stefanos Tzimas, back in training after an ACL rupture, provides competition or partnership.
At the World Cup, Jordan Henderson made sure Jason Steele received a medal for his work as training goalkeeper. Maxim De Cuyper reached the quarter-finals with Belgium, and Yasin Ayari became the first Brighton player to score two World Cup goals in a game as Sweden beat Tunisia 5-1.
