Brighton & Hove Albion

Scott McCarthy
Fan writer

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Brighton were so wildly inconsistent through the 2024-25 season that it is hard to know what to expect coming into the new campaign.

Play like they did in the final five matches or when winning six in a row through February and March and it could be Champions League qualification.

Repeat the dismal form of early 2025 that culminated in the 7-0 shambles at the City Ground or the terrible run of April results and it will be a bottom-half finish and lots of that dreaded word, frustration.

People at the club are openly talking about the top five. Tony Bloom has publicly stated it was disappointing to miss out on Europe. That tells you what the club is aiming for.

Whether that is achievable will depend on a couple of things. That (still) the youngest manager in the Premier League and his relatively youthful squad have learned lessons from last season, becoming better for the experience of moments like that shipping of seven goals against Nottingham Forest.

Brighton must also try to keep this group of players together unless someone offers an insane amount of money.

Carlos Baleba to Manchester United is the obvious example given recent rumours but holding on to the likes of Kaoru Mitoma, Jan Paul van Hecke and Bart Verbruggen between now and September will be equally important.

My hope is that the 'transition' season 2024-25 was billed as pays off and that in 12 months time, Albion fans are informing loved ones there will be no summer vacation because money and holiday leave needs to be saved for another Brighton European adventure.

My fear is that all the 'transitioning' done during the previous campaign ends up actually benefiting United and others when they snare more stars from the Albion, rather than helping push Brighton back into the top eight.

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Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

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I am not getting the impression Brighton's stance on midfielder Carlos Baleba is weakening.

Manchester United are prioritising their midfield now they have strengthened their striking ranks, which suggests no immediate move for Paris St-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who has been left out of the squad for Wednesday's Super Cup final against Tottenham and seems certain to leave the French club.

Brighton have been keen to stress they have no desire to or interest in selling Baleba, who has made 77 appearances for Albion since arriving from Lille for £23.2m in 2023 and has a contract that runs to 2028. They are sticking to their mantra.

Whether the 21-year-old accepts that fact is another matter.

United believe their signing of striker Benjamin Sesko was done on favourable terms, which felt like an indication they could do more business before the transfer window closes on 1 September.

However, they do need to sell players.

Pre-season has changed over the years as more clubs are travelling around the world to play friendlies on international soil in front of large capacity crowds.

But Brighton's approach this summer is a stark contrast as six of their eight friendlies have been behind closed doors.

"I use pre-season to build team chemistry and the social bond between them, which is hard to do if you know you are always being observed by the media and supporters," boss Fabian Hurzeler told BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club.

"When you have new players coming in, you need to integrate them in a trusting environment. That is what I want to give to my players.

"There are no secrets behind the things we are doing.

"I just think you can build the team chemistry better behind closed doors as players can behave more in their natural way if they know there is nothing they get picked up on by the media or others."

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We asked for your views on whether Brighton are ready for the new season after the Seagulls ended their pre-season campaign with a 2-1 win over Bundesliga side Wolfsburg at Amex Stadium.

Here are some of your comments:

Fran: Was at the Wolfsburg game and we looked good. I still think we are a little too slow in our build-up play. Wolfsburg did not press and we then just played it around hoping they would come at us, which of course they didn't. Teams will do this next season so we need to be quicker in our play. Still think we need another centre forward to cover Welbeck. It was a shame we didn't get to see our new forwards in action, even a small run out would have been nice. Still, plenty to look forward to. Can't wait.

Alfie: I think my club, Brighton, are ready for this season. In many previous seasons, we have seen many players leave (thank you Chelsea) and us get better. They already have replacements for the players who have left and this season is no different with someone like Georginio replacing Joao Pedro! The only exception this season is the left-back position where we signed Maxim De Cuyper to replace Estupinan! Brighton will be absolutely fine this season!

Chris: Offensively looking strong, inventive and full of goals. Defensively, looking weak, out of position, and leaky. There could be some very high scoring games to come.

Matthew: The summer business has been good and Albion are again laying strong foundations for the future. Maxim De Cuyper looks a ready made replacement for Estupinan and we have good strength in depth in most areas of the pitch, except perhaps at left-back. I hope Baleba stays another year and helps push us into Europe again. Who knows, maybe even the Champions League if others struggle to cope with the demands of European football.

Mike: For me the team look almost ready but I still have defensive concerns. Attacking-wise things look tasty but a back three? Large gaps appeared in all friendly games and Premier League sides will exploit this. Another rollercoaster season ahead.

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Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler says his team's improvement is an "ongoing process" but their final pre-season test was "very positive".

The Seagulls rounded off their pre-season campaign with a 2-1 win over Wolfsburg at the Amex Stadium on Saturday after a 2-0 win over the same opponents in a behind-closed-doors friendly earlier in the day.

"Both teams played very intense," Hurzeler told BBC Radio Sussex.

"We have to improve but overall very positive. No injuries so far from what I've heard and now we can prepare for Fulham.

"We shouldn't emphasise in an artificial way this week before the start [of the season]. It's an ongoing process - you always have to develop and always have to improve.

"That's what we did last season and that is what we'll do this season.

"We were improving in pre-season, we will improve this week.

"We will focus on ourselves, try and be better in the details, try and be sharp for Fulham, and then its an ongoing process to develop as a group and as individual players."

Summer signing Maxim de Cuyper scored Brighton's second goal at the Amex on Saturday and has caught his manager's eye with his impact since his £17.5m move from Club Brugge.

"I'm impressed because he integrated as a person quite quick and that is something I don't often see in the football business," Hurzeler added.

"He does in a very natural way and therefore you can see he immediately integrated with the team on the pitch by having good performances. I'm quite happy for him."

Listen to the full chat on BBC Sounds

Pre-season is completed and the countdown to the 2025-26 season is on.

It's been a busy summer at Brighton with six arrivals and six departures.

The Seagulls start the season at home to Fulham on Saturday - but are they ready?

Get in touch

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Brighton finished pre-season with a 2-1 win over Bundesliga side Wolfsburg at Amex Stadium.

Georginio Rutter opened the scoring for the Seagulls in the first half before summer signing Maxim de Cuyper doubled their lead after the break.

Rogerio pulled one back for the visitors late on but Brighton hung on to finish pre-season unbeaten before the return of Premier League football next weekend.

You have been sharing your stories and photos about why you love Brighton.

Here is a final selection of your submissions, but do make sure you scroll down this page to see all the best responses from throughout the week:

Graham: Imagine! The phone rang around six o'clock on 20 May 1983 while we were living in Holland. I was getting changed to take my wife out to celebrate our wedding anniversary and her birthday.

Knowing my passion for the Albion, my brother was calling to say that a friend had broken a leg and couldn't use his cup final ticket, would I like it?

My most understanding wife meant I was on the ferry that night surrounded by Manchester United supporters from nearly every country in Europe and made it to that most memorable game.

Oh to get that one step further!

Dommo: I started supporting my beloved Brighton back in 1970, having moved from London to Brighton (my father had a new job in Brighton).

My new best friend at my new school and his father took us to see Brighton v Rotherham at the Goldstone. The atmosphere and excitement was amazing!

From that game, I said to my father that I'm now a Brighton fan.

In 1983, I went to every round of the FA Cup, including the final and the replay. I was at Hereford in 1997, became a steward at Amex Stadium and am now a season ticket holder.

I absolutely love being a Fan.

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During Wednesday's fans' forum, one supporter asked Brighton chief executive Paul Barber about how the club can improve the atmosphere at Amex.

The fan in question said the atmosphere is brilliant in matches against the big clubs, but at some games in the middle of the season, it becomes quieter.

"When this new south stand end is created for home fans, we are completely open-minded as to how we make the atmosphere really sing from the south to the north and back again," Barber replied.

"We will involve the fan advisory board on relocating singers. If people who want to sing can stand together in the safe standing area, that is brilliant. But we are not going to force the atmosphere because it is evolving over time.

"Sometimes the atmoshphere is amazing and sometimes it is not. I've been to pretty much every stadium in the UK and many overseas and it is the same. Some clubs are better than others and we are still evolving.

"Any ideas [the fans] have got, we are all ears."

Listen to the event on BBC Sounds

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Former Brighton player Warren Aspinall, speaking on BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast about the Seagulls' approach of having a focused pre-season training camp: "Once you travel to the other side of the world, the time difference is difficult and you lose two or three days there. It's probably more days off than working.

"They've had a bit of a bonding session in Spain - that's what you want, these new players getting embedded in and getting to know their new team-mates.

"They've done it right. I think they've had a good pre-season. Hurzeler's working very hard."

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, the i Paper's chief football writer Daniel Storey added: "Are they going to gain many more fans by going away to Asia or America? Because then you're competing against Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City, it's very difficult to suddenly turn someone to go buy that Brighton shirt and support that team.

"I'm almost certain it was Fabian Hurzeler's idea, and I think what they learned from last season is that you need to create a culture right for the manager that's there.

"It's made sense with a young coach who loves control to take the noise away. It's a young squad. They don't need the external noise of people caring about pre-season results."

Listen to the full episode of this week's Albion Unlimited on BBC Sounds

This week, we are asking you to share your stories and photos for why you fell in love with Brighton.

Here is a selection of your submissions:

Paul: An everlasting memory of the Albion was a midweek game in October 1976 v Walsall (Division Three) at the Goldstone.

I was 11, standing on a wooden crate behind the South Stand goal. The first half finished 0-0 and the Albion were struggling to get going. Then, the second half was incredible. The Albion kicked towards the South Stand, Peter Ward scored four goals and Ian Mellor scored three. A 7-0 win to the Albion!

I ran on to the pitch at the end as was the norm back then and got some autographs. Been living in Australia for 47 years - and still love the Albion.

Paul: One city, one club, so no divided loyalties here. We have come from near extinction to the top half of the Premier League but remain humble and realistic yet ambitious.

I recall the days of the Goldstone Ground [Brian Clough], [Alan] Mullery and the heroes who shone at Brighton but then waned at other clubs. We may not be big city 'glitzy' but we have the sea, cliffs and the green rolling downs.

We may not have won anything big but when we do, it'll be so fantastic and meaningful for a club like ours.

Sweet reward for all.

Send us your pictures and stories here

Ryan Adsett
Fan writer

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When the transfer window opened, Paul Barber promised a "quieter one" in comparison with recent years.

And yet in terms of outgoings, they could be more than some fans would have wanted, given Pervis Estupinan, Joao Pedro and Simon Adingra were among the regular first-teamers to depart this summer.

The nature of Pedro's move to Chelsea for around £55m with £5m add-ons left a strange feeling for most fans, despite the falling out towards the end of the season. The Brazil striker contributed towards 40 goals in 70 appearances, a significant figure in helping the Seagulls through difficult moments. Replacing his impact will be key to winning games when they do not necessarily deserve it.

Estupinan has been replaced by the incoming Maxim de Cuyper. De Cuyper likes to drive the ball from deep and invert into space and who could be one to watch under Fabian Hurzeler's new system.

Utilising both full-backs going forward and for defending deep has become essential at the top level of global football. The latter attribute could be the potential downside in the Belgian's game.

Albion will want to ensure they do not get caught on transition too often this season. Losing runners like Estupinan and Pedro could cause issues given incoming defenders Olivier Boscagli and Diego Coppola are better suited to distributing forwards and last-ditch defending respectively.

At the other end of the pitch, Evan Ferguson's loan-to-buy move to Roma could come under scrutiny, but then Brighton have spent close to £60m on Charalampos Kostoulas and Stefanos Tzimas.

The Greek teenage duo are settling in, but the fees paid will always invite pressure to return goals. After all, Brighton had the most goalscorers in the league (18) last season.

All told, there remains an overwhelming feeling of optimism. Once again, the push for Europe is on.

Find more from Ryan Adsett at Talk Seagulls, external

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Danielle Sarver Coombs

When it comes to our love for a football club, the answer to why we do lies in "both psychological and societal" reasons.

In the first part of her chat with BBC Sport, researcher and co-writer of the Routledge Handbook of Sport Fans and Fandom Danielle Sarver Coombs spoke about the part that identity and tradition play.

And yet when we are caught up in the emotions of a tough defeat or nerves of an important match, we can often ask why we put ourselves through it.

"There are psychological processes at work and physiological ones in terms of how we respond and engage," Sarver Coombs said.

"An example that I always give is when I take the train to work, I go past Arsenal's stadium and I feel literally nothing other than: 'Oh, that's a big building'. Whereas on a train to Manchester, I went by Villa Park and my heart started pounding. I got all excited and was trying to take pictures out the window.

"I had a visceral reaction to this place. We can't pretend we don't have that sort of physical reaction because we do.

"When someone is talking about a controversial decision and I feel myself getting wound up, even though I intellectually know that I can't control it and that it's just a game, my body doesn't know that.

"My gut doesn't know that and so I have this really emotional response and we can't control that."

A 2023 book titled 'Football on the brain: why minds love sport, external' suggests it comes down to 'an understandable and logical consequence of the human mind's natural inclination to find meaning through beliefs... It's a religion as far as the brain is concerned'.

But it not just about what is going on inside the mind but outside influences too.

"There is a sociological element to it because the community part is such a huge driver and benefit for us," Sarver Coombs explains.

"Sociologically, we are driven to be part of communities. We are driven to find our groups that we can be members of. Sport provides a way to do that - this sense that I was chosen to be part of this community and it's something bigger than I am."

As the game expands, unrest among supporters seems to be increasing, but how does that impact this ingrained love for a club?

"You always go through these cycles when the game is changing," Sarver Coombs said.

"Despite all the changes, the traditions remain so strong and it's such a huge draw that it becomes really hard to actually separate yourself from it. Even if you do, it tends to be a short-term separation. You get sucked back in because something happens.

"People don't want that change, but then we adapt to it and continue moving forward."

Browse this page to see lots of fan stories for how you fell in love with your club.

And check out those from other Premier League teams over here

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At the fan forum on Wednesday, one supporter kept his question simple: Why do Brighton always sell their best players?

Albion chief executive Paul Barber replied: "The reality is that pretty much every club in the world is a selling club at the right price - anyone that says any different doesn't really understand football.

"Our business model has always been that we will buy young players, hire the best coaching staff to develop them, give them the chance to play in the first team and negotiate the best possible deal when the time is right.

"We will build our club sustainably like that. We can't always rely on Tony [Bloom] to fill in the gaps and usually at a club, the only gaps are financial gaps. We have to build a club on its own two feet, that is less reliant on a single person to pay the bills.

"In order for a club of our size to do this, we need to have a healthy trading strategy and we have got one. The key is to make sure to never leave our coaching staff with a squad incapable of competing. That is what we try and do every year and I think we are getting the balance right.

"There are times where we want to keep a player for longer, but players also have demands and dreams for the future. The job that Tony, I and the technical staff have is to judge the right moment to sell, which is sometimes not that easy."

Listen back on BBC Sounds

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During Brighton's pre-season fan forum on Wednesday, club chairman Paul Barber was asked about the rumours surrounding Carlos Baleba.

Manchester United are interested in the 21 year-old who has three years left on his contract at Amex Stadium.

"There's always going to be interest in our players." Barber said. "Manchester United have not been in touch with me. Speculation is speculation."

"Carlos is a fantastic talent. We hope he'll be here for years to come - but its subject to the dynamics of the football world, which isn't always predictable."

Listen back on BBC Sounds now

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

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Manchester United are on the lookout for someone who could strengthen their midfield and skipper Bruno Fernandes has called for new signings.

And they like Carlos Baleba.

The problem is Brighton's desire to sell, which is non-existent, and owner Tony Bloom's negotiating tactics. Hard line.

That is not to say United could not get Baleba - it is just that it would cost an enormous amount of money, probably in excess of anything United have spent so far this summer.

It is not obvious where the money would come from, because even if they can sign Benjamin Sesko without selling players first, eventually they will have to.

And it would take more than getting rid of the 'bomb squad' which even the club accepts is likely to be later in the window.

The key point is whether United look for an alternative or keep their powder dry for Baleba, either in case circumstances change dramatically in this window, or, more likely, for next summer.

Manchester United have contacted Brighton through intermediaries to explore a potential move for Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba, 21. (Athletic - subscription required), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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Join us live from Amex Stadium at 19:00 BST on BBC Radio Sussex and BBC Sounds for a special Albion Fans' Forum.

Hear from head coach Fabian Hurzeler, chief executive Paul Barber and BBC Radio Sussex's Brighton commentator Johnny Cantor as they take questions from the audience and discuss the season ahead.

Listen now on BBC Sounds