Sussex

Joe Sayers
Fan writer

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A busy transfer window for the Albion has finally come to a close, and perhaps the most important pieces of business have been retaining the main cogs of our well-oiled machine.

The high-profile departure of Joao Pedro was certainly difficult to take, especially given his upturn in form since joining Chelsea. However, with a bit of patience and time for our new arrivals to settle, his absence may not prove to be as obvious as feared.

One of the biggest stories throughout our window was Manchester United's pursuit of our midfield anchor, Carlos Baleba. Fabian Hurzeler's constant reassurance to the fans was certainly refreshing, and now that the window has shut, there is a sense of relief knowing he will be with us this year.

There were also a few concerns around Kaoru Mitoma's future, with fear that 2024-25 could have been his last with us. His dream of playing Champions League football is known by the club, yet once again he has shown professionalism and loyalty, staying committed to the club that brought him to the Premier League.

Of course, everyone wants to see their squad strengthened further wherever possible but, overall, we can be satisfied with how this window gone. The focus on bringing signings in early to allow them to bed into the squad was clear, and although we have only seen glimpses of our new recruits, those signs have certainly been encouraging.

Hurzeler seems happy with the options at his disposal, and the board clearly feels the squad is in the best possible shape.

With key players retained and promising additions waiting to make their mark, I would confidently rate this transfer window a solid 8/10.

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Manchester United looked to re-sign Danny Welbeck from Brighton for the second year running this summer, but co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe did not sanction a move for the forward. (Athletic - subscription required), external

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Aldershot Town have signed Brighton and Hove Albion defender Charlie Penman on a season-long loan.

Penman, 19, joined the Seagulls from Blackburn Rovers in 2021 and has been a regular in the Premier League club's under-21 side.

The Shots have also loaned 22-year-old midfielder Keane Anderson to National League South side Torquay United for a month.

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Brighton midfielder Matt O'Riley has completed a season-long loan to Ligue 1 side Marseille.

The 24-year-old joined the Seagulls from Celtic in August 2024 and has made 25 appearances for the club, scoring three goals.

Head coach Fabian Hurzeler said: "Matt has the opportunity to challenge himself at the highest level in France and in the Champions League.

"We have a lot of competition in the midfield positions, and while we see Matt's long-term future here with us, this gives him the potential of more game time."

The Denmark international will work under former Albion boss Roberto de Zerbi, who led Marseille to a second-place finish in Ligue 1 last season.

West Ham have completed the signing of Brazilian defender Igor Julio on a season-long loan from Brighton.

"I am really happy to be here at West Ham United," he said. "It is a big club, a historic club, with fantastic support and a special identity.

"I saw this in Prague during the Europa Conference League final two years ago, and I feel very proud to now be representing the colours."

"I'm really pleased to have signed Igor and look forward to bringing him into our group," added Hammers boss Graham Potter.

"He is an experienced defender with a good pedigree, who knows the Premier League well and has impressed during his time with Brighton."

Karan Vinod
BBC Sport journalist

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Brighton have confirmed winger Jeremy Sarmiento has joined Serie A side Cremonese on loan for the season.

The 23-year-old joined Brighton's academy from Benfica in January 2021 and has shown glimpses of his talent in the Premier League. However, the winger has struggled for consistent minutes in the first team.

Sarmiento was on loan at West Bromwich Albion and Ipswich Town during the 2023-24 season and, in the subsequent campaign, he was on loan at Burnley in the Championship.

Sarmiento's current deal expires in 2027.

Technical director David Weir said: "This gives Jeremy a great opportunity to play regularly. We wish him well in Italy for the season ahead and will be watching his progress with interest."

BBC Sport also understands Brighton are not expecting any incomings before the 19:00 BST deadline.

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We asked for your views on Facundo Buonanotte's loan move to Chelsea and Julio Enciso's likely move to Stamford Bridge next summer.

Here are some of your comments:

Joe: Buonanotte going on loan to Chelsea is just straight up weird. If he's not good enough for us, how is it he's good enough for them. It worries me slightly because I think Brighton fans really overestimate our attacking threat and I think he could very useful to us, especially given neither other of our Greek strikers have even played in the Premier League yet. Then with Enciso going to France to then go to Chelsea? The whole thing is really strange. An Enciso that is fit and ready to play is a huge threat, so to let him go for under £15m, I am not quite sure what's going on. But of course, I will always trust Tony Bloom.

Tim: Something doesn't feel right about this. Why would we help a club that we've already helped countless times to become stronger? They have a young talented squad, much of it thanks to Albion, and this is a club that we could be battling against for every top-half point. Enough is enough.

Noddy: Chelsea might as well move into the Amex. As soon as Brighton find a decent player, they come along with their begging bowl. We need to be stronger in transfer windows and say no to a club that we could easily be competing with.

Nicholas: I believe this is a massive mistake. If Buonanotte is good enough to be getting game time at Chelsea and Champions League football, why on earth is he not in our starting XI? I feel we should have kept him and used him.

Alex Howell
Football reporter

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It now looks like Brighton centre-back Igor Julio is currently more likely to join West Ham on loan rather than Crystal Palace.

He had been subject of interest from the Eagles as they prepare for the departure of Marc Guehi. It is unclear if this would have any impact on that proposed deal.

The Eagles want two centre-backs if they let Guehi go.