Predicted finish based on the writers’ average: 9th (Note: this reflects the combined view of the writing team rather than John Brewin’s individual forecast)
Previous season’s finish: 8th
Prospects
Brighton ended last season in May with players and supporters celebrating qualification for the Europa Conference League, even after a 3-0 defeat against Manchester United. Since West Ham and Crystal Palace have both lifted the trophy, winning the tournament is now a credible ambition for the club.
Whether that goal is achievable remains uncertain. Conference League participation brings a demanding Thursday-to-Sunday schedule, while the squad has undergone considerable change during the summer. James Milner had already chosen to retire by the time European qualification was confirmed. Danny Welbeck, Brighton’s standout attacker last season and one of the league’s leading forwards, has joined Chelsea through an increasingly familiar transfer route. His move is particularly intriguing because he turns 36 in November. The experienced group, all older than 33-year-old head coach Fabian Hürzeler, now consists of Pascal Gross, Lewis Dunk and backup goalkeeper Jason Steele. Another link with the club’s recent past was broken when popular long-serving winger Solly March was not offered a new deal, with his injury record influencing the decision.
Jan Paul van Hecke, the team’s strongest defender last season, has moved to Tottenham in a £52m deal, with teenage centre-back Luka Vuskovic heading the other way. Brighton supporters may be assessing the club’s many new arrivals, but rival Premier League teams will also follow their progress closely because the recruitment operation is highly respected across football. Jamestown Analytics, owned by club backer Tony Bloom, provides valuable insight into the transfer market and is widely admired. Even so, the system does not produce perfect results, and some previous signings have failed to succeed.
Supporters greatly enjoyed Brighton’s Europa League campaign three seasons ago, when the team reached the last 16. However, the additional fixtures placed pressure on the squad and contributed to tension with then manager Roberto De Zerbi. The club eventually finished an underwhelming 11th and will expect a stronger domestic campaign alongside its latest European adventure.
Off-field picture
The Amex’s South Stand will receive additional safe-standing areas as part of a £40m redevelopment. Scheduled for September’s extended international break, the work is intended to create a livelier matchday atmosphere. Brighton’s ownership has consistently shown close attention to the experience of attending games. Supporters seeking something between premium seating and drinks on the concourse will also have access to the 1901 Pub, described as a blend of a traditional pub and an upmarket matchday lounge offering a more comfortable environment. It will accommodate 660 people, with memberships beginning at £173 per month.
Owner-fan relationship
Brighton’s sustained progress is inseparable from Bloom’s financial backing, a reality fully recognised by the supporters. His involvement in Hearts’ pursuit of the Scottish title last season showed that his football interests extend beyond Brighton, although his childhood hometown club remains his main concern. In January, Bloom, nicknamed “the Lizard” in the gambling world where he built his wealth, provided another £107m loan. That raised his total lending to the club to £400m. Without his funding and long-term commitment, Brighton would not have developed into the stable and widely admired Premier League organisation they are today.
The manager
Hürzeler has had to mature under intense public scrutiny. Questions have emerged at several stages during his two seasons, but Bloom and influential chief executive Paul Barber have continued to support the young Bavarian coach. When a new three-year agreement was confirmed in May, Bloom praised the team’s “clear playing identity”. Hürzeler is an emotional figure whose conduct on the touchline sometimes frustrates officials and opposing managers. Nevertheless, he begins the campaign as the Premier League’s fifth longest-serving manager, sporting a dramatically altered hairstyle first revealed during pre-season. A successful European run would further strengthen his developing reputation.
Star signing
Brighton hope Tottenham will eventually regret failing to make use of Vuskovic’s ability. Although he never appeared for Spurs, he earned widespread praise during a loan spell at Hamburg for his intelligence, positioning and composure. The arrival of experienced Leeds centre-back Pascal Struijk means the Croatian teenager can be developed patiently. In the longer term, his quality in possession and ability to initiate attacks could make him a natural successor to captain Lewis Dunk. Brighton reportedly paid £46m for a player Tottenham had originally signed for £12m, highlighting how highly his potential is valued. The club believes that substantial fee could ultimately look like excellent business.
Stat attack
Only the two Manchester clubs scored more Premier League goals from regular attacking play than Brighton last season. The Seagulls ranked slightly lower when counterattacking goals were added, but their open-play expected-goals average per match during 2025-26 matched Arsenal’s. Welbeck’s departure leaves a major role to fill, but his replacement should receive plenty of scoring opportunities.
Set for a breakthrough
Brighton routinely allow new players enough time and freedom to adjust, often treating their first season as a development period. Charalampos Kostoulas offered several glimpses of his potential during the 2025-26 campaign. With Welbeck no longer at the club, there is now an opening at centre-forward. The Greece international produced a spectacular overhead kick against Bournemouth in January, and the 19-year-old former Olympiakos player should feature more regularly after making only two league starts last season. Fellow Greek forward Stefanos Tzimas, who has returned to training following an ACL injury, could either challenge him for a place or play alongside him.
World Cup impact
During England’s celebrations after finishing third at the World Cup, Jordan Henderson ensured Steele received a medal in recognition of his highly valued contribution as a training goalkeeper. The tournament produced varied experiences for Brighton’s other representatives. Maxim De Cuyper progressed furthest, reaching the quarter-finals with Belgium. Diego Gómez missed Paraguay’s historic victory over Germany through suspension but returned for his nation’s difficult elimination by France. Yasin Ayari became the first Brighton player to score twice in a World Cup match when Sweden defeated Tunisia 5-1. Michael Svoboda, the summer defensive recruit from Venezia, remained unused throughout Austria’s campaign.
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