'First month throws up lots of anomalies' - fans on Brighton's fixturespublished at 15:03 18 June
15:03 18 June
Image source, Getty Images
The 2025-26 Premier League fixtures are official so we asked for your thoughts on the schedule and where Brighton will be after the first 10 games.
Here are some of your replies:
Alastair: After 10 games in 2024-25, Brighton were eighth on 16 points. With 15 points in the bag, Brighton could be ninth at the same stage in 2025-26, assuming they haven't improved. The first month throws up lots of anomalies but, once it has settled down, I expect the Seagulls to be as unpredictable as last year. Hopefully, they are still hitting late winners to make it worthwhile battling the crowds onto the later trains.
Gary: I think we will be in the top six.
David: The opening six games look very tough. I think we will learn a lot after those fixtures. Eight or nine points would be a cracking start.
How it starts and how it endspublished at 11:40 18 June
11:40 18 June
Aside from the opening game against Fulham and final weekend fixture aginst Manchester United, all dates are subject to change as a result of broadcast and other requirements.
Festive schedule, final day - a rundown of Brighton's standout gamespublished at 10:05 18 June
10:05 18 June
Image source, Getty Images
Brighton travel to rivals Crystal Palace on weekend of 8-9 November, with the return at Amex Stadium on the weekend of 7-8 February.
After securing a victory over champions Liverpool last month, Albion will look to repeat the feat when they host Arne Slot's men on the weekend of 21-22 March.
Fabian Hurzeler's Albion travel to Anfield on 13-14 December.
And what about the schedule over Christmas and New Year? Well, Brighton's four festive fixtures include home matches against Sunderland and Burnley, and two London trips to face Arsenal and West Ham.
Finally, the Seagulls will close their campaign at home to Manchester United on Sunday, 24 May 2026 - when all 10 matches will kick off at 16:00 BST.
🎧 All eyes on the transfer windowpublished at 07:23 18 June
07:23 18 June
The latest episode of the Albion Unlimited podcast has landed.
BBC Radio Susex's Johnny Cantor and former Seagulls forward Warren Aspinall to discuss all things transfer window, including the signing of Diego Coppola, Joao Pedro's future and James Milner's contract.
Who is Coppola and what can he bring to Brighton?published at 17:29 17 June
17:29 17 June
Image source, Getty Images
Other teams will be "jealous" of Brighton signing Diego Coppola early and he will "compliment" other Seagulls defenders well, says football analyst Ben Mattinson.
The club confirmed the signing of the 21-year-old centre-back from Hellas Verona on Tuesday for a undisclosed fee believed to be around 11m euros (£9.4m).
Coppola made his debut for Verona in 2021, having emerged from the club's academy and has gone on to make 81 appearances for the Serie A side since.
The defender has already been capped twice for Italy and is representing the under-21s in the European Championships.
"What intrigued me the most is he is not the type of defender you would associate with the recent type of defenders Brighton have signed," Mattinson told BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast.
"When you think of other ones, there is a lot who are very skilled on the ball and not as physical defensively. Whereas this is not the polar opposite, but he is really good defensively, a good in the box defender, and has the physical presence that at times Brighton have needed more of.
"Also, he is not really slow, but he is not electric quick, however, he reads the game really well which helps when defending bigger spaces. Anticipating when to come up and press the ball or when to drop back and sweep and defend the space – he is really good at reading danger like that."
Brighton have often had a focus under recent managers on defenders who are good with the ball at their feet and can help build up play from the back.
Coppola represents a slight step change from this with his skills currently rooted in his ability to try and win the ball back and defend his area - helped by his tall stature at 6ft 4in.
So while the likes of Jan Paul van Hecke come out on top for possessional stats, Mattinson believes the Italy international's style could work well alongside those currently in the Seagulls backline.
"Coppola is a more aggressive defender so you can see him working well with a player like Jan Paul van Hecke who is a lot better on the ball - that will be a nice compliment for each other," he added.
"He is really good aerially as well, he is about 6ft 4in. I'm surprised that at that price none of the big Italian teams were going for him, so it says a lot that Brighton were quick to get it done.
"He is going to be the type of defender that a lot of teams are going to be jealous that [Brighton] got ahead on it early."
'Promising signing' - Fans on Coppola plus views on transferspublished at 14:27 17 June
14:27 17 June
Image source, Getty Images
Following the signing of Diego Coppola from Hellas Verona, we asked you for your thoughts on the defender.
Here are some of your comments:
Tony: Coppola is tall, athletic and seemingly intelligent and capable with the ball. He could be a direct replacement in the middle of the defence for all-time favourite Lewis Dunk.
Flynn: Looks like a promising signing. At 6ft 4in, he fits the physical criteria Hurzeler asked for, and at 21, he has plenty of room to develop. Can't go too wrong for the price.
Matthew: On paper this looks like a fantastic signing. Time will tell if the guy can fit in well at Brighton as some of our recent signings have struggled to establish themselves.
As the transfer window is now open again until 1 September, we also asked you to tell us one player you want Brighton to sign, and a player you want to be sold this summer.
Here are a selection of your comments:
Simon: Joao Pedro can leave. He has been very good but we are very strong in his position. A bumper new contract for Kaoru Mitoma is the one signing we must achieve. Kaoru is on a different level to any other player and such a humble role model for the young players.
Oscar: The player I'd like out is Igor Julio, he is a player who is injury prone and can't get his way into the starting XI because of Jan Paul van Hecke's amazing season and Adam Webster's fill-in for Lewis Dunk. The player I would like Brighton to purchase is a striker but don't know who yet. Danny Welbeck can't play like he is now forever. I think we need to sign a striker that is able to be the next Welbeck. Maybe Jorgen Strand Larsen with his height and physicality in and around the box.
Ryan: Brighton need to sign Kyle Walker-Peters. Has represented England and is also versatile being able to play on both sides as a full-back. He is available on a free transfer and is a proven Premier League player. I believe that we should be looking to sell Joao Pedro. We have signed two young Greek forwards and Evan Ferguson will be returning from loan. With Joao Pedro's attitude problems and, at times, a lack of effort, I think this is the perfect time for him to step up to a higher level while we cash in on his talent. He is clearly a very gifted footballer but sometimes lacks the off the ball work that Fabian Hurzeler is looking for.
Julian: For all the positives, Joao Pedro's value could fall if misbehaviour grows quicker than his goal tally. There's a few in England Under-21 shirts at the moment (Charlie Cresswell, Tino Livramento) that look tempting but maybe Brighton could afford Bryan Mbeumo?
Image source, Getty Images
