Brighton & Hove Albion

Scott McCarthy
Fan writer

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What links most of the first-team players who left Brighton this summer? The majority of them were unpredictable mavericks.

Julio Enciso and his love of going for goal from 30 yards, running off celebrating in expectation of a wonder strike only for the ball to fly 30 yards wide.

The last act of Pervis Estupinan in an Albion shirt was to shoot when Brighton were holding onto a one-goal advantage in a must-win match against Liverpool with 30 seconds left to play.

Said shot went out for a throw, gifting the champions possession and causing Fabian Hurzler to throw his arms in the air while screaming in the technical area. No lip reader was needed to see the type of language that would make Gordon Ramsey blush.

Facundo Buonanotte is gone. Valentin Barco is gone. Igor Julio is gone.

Hurzeler is a pragmatic, sensible German whose football can at times feel robotic. It would appear he is moulding this squad into his image with the jettisoning of players with a tendency to go rogue.

Even Hurzeler's fellow German, Brajan Gruda is not exempt. Gruda began the season on the bench, leading to rumours he wanted to join Stuttgart on loan.

His first start then saw him score one and set up three against Oxford in the Carabao Cup. Yet when Hurzeler opted to drop Matt O'Riley, it was the more reliable Diego Gomez who started as number 10 when Manchester City came to Amex Stadium.

To win games, you need mavericks and unpredictability, as Gruda proved when coming off the bench and scoring the 94th minute winner against City. Making it three goals and three assists in 111 minutes this season.

There is a balance to be struck. Whether Hurzeler finds it over the next eight months - and has greater trust in his flair players - could be the difference between qualifying for Europe or not.

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Joe Sayers
Fan writer

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The Albion's sombre start to this season's Premier League was put to the back of our minds after that scintillating comeback against Manchester City.

It was the kind of performance that reminded us why football can change moods so quickly, lifting spirits after a disappointing few weeks.

While the substitutes will rightly get the plaudits for changing the game for us, I feel like we need to celebrate the form of our captain, the ever-present Lewis Dunk. His influence went far beyond defensive responsibility.

He set the tempo, kept us calm under pressure, and led by example when we needed it most.

Many feared last season that it was Dunky's last in our starting XI, with the defender struggling to hit the incredibly high bar he has set himself over the last few campaigns. Injuries and a slight dip in form had some wondering if he was fading. Yet, once again, he has shown that writing him off is a mistake.

After the past few performances, I think we need to heap respect on him. Even if the two results before the City game were ones to forget, there is no denying that Dunk has proven he can still deliver at the very highest level. His aerial dominance, reading of the game, and composure on the ball were all on show against one of the toughest opponents in world football.

It is an incredible testament to his character and professionalism. He has remained level-headed, worked tirelessly, and pushed himself to silence the doubters. Once again, he has proven why every manager at Brighton has trusted him instantly.

Sure, at just three games in, it's not time to get carried away, but his dominance against City has given me comfort that our rock is still standing firm.

If Dunk continues with this level of authority, Albion fans can feel optimistic about what lies ahead.

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Liverpool, Tottenham and Newcastle are all considering making a move to sign Brighton and Netherlands defender Jan Paul van Hecke, 25, in 2026. (Teamtalk), external

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The dust has just about settled on a busy transfer window for Brighton.

In total, the Seagull's brought in seven players for a total of about £58.3m based on reported initial fees.

Those incomings were:

• Charalampos Kostoulas - Olympiakos (permanent)

• Maxim De Cuyper - Club Brugge £17.3m (permanent)

• Tommy Watson - Sunderland (permanent)

• Diego Coppola - Hellas Verona (permanent)

• Yoon Do-young - Daejeon Hana Citizen (permanent)

• Nils Ramming - Eintracht Frankfurt (permanent)

• Olivier Boscagli - PSV Eindhoven (free

Heading the other way, Brighton had 17 notable outgoings.

These included loans for Facundo Buonanotte to Chelsea and Evan Ferguson to Roma, while there was also the permanent exits of Joao Pedro to Chelsea, Simon Adingra to Sunderland and Pervis Estupinan to AC Milan.

Of all the summer incomings at the Amex, who do you think will have the biggest impact?

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Karan Vinod
BBC Sport journalist

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Brighton's 2025–26 summer transfer window was relatively quiet compared to last year. The Seagulls brought in six new arrivals, compared with more than 10 the previous summer.

The understanding within the club is that the primary objective this year was to trim the squad, focusing on outgoings rather than incomings. The club also aimed to complete much of the business early, allowing them to avoid the usual deadline-day scramble. The window is viewed as a success, with objectives achieved and no major issues reported.

The trimming of the squad has resulted in an exodus with the likes of Joao Pedro, Simon Adingra, Julio Enciso, Pervis Estupinan and others either being sold or leaving on loan.

Another clear indication from the club was that key players were firmly off-limits. The likes of Kaoru Mitoma, Carlos Baleba and Jan Paul Van Hecke were considered essential to retain. BBC Sport understands that no serious bids were received for any of them, including Baleba, despite the links to Manchester United, and the club made it clear to potential suitors that they were not for sale.

Among Brighton's new recruits, 18-year-old Greek forward Charalampos Kostoulas was the most significant outlay of the summer, costing the club £29.8m. Kostoulas' signing reflected the club's blended approach to recruitment. Sources told BBC Sport that the deal combined data-driven analysis with traditional scouting, with internal recommendations and scouting reports both influencing the decision.

Another Greek forward, Stefanos Tzimas, joined the Seagulls this summer after his loan concluded with German club FC Nurnberg. However, both Kostoulas and Tzimas have to be carefully managed following injury setbacks. The club is prioritising gradual integration rather than rushing them into first-team action, with both expected to feature in squads in the coming weeks. The club's stance is that there are no plans for either player to go out on loan, and they will likely feature heavily for the under 21s.

Overall, the Seagulls' summer shows a club committed to strategic planning and stability. With core players secured and the squad balanced, Brighton are now focused on the season ahead, confident that the summer's work has laid a strong foundation.

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.

Facundo Buonnonate is the latest forward to depart Brighton, sealing a season-long loan to Chelsea.

The 20-year-old Argentina international has played 50 times in all competitions for the Seagulls since arriving from Rosario Central in January 2023, scoring five goals.

He spent the 2024-25 campaign on loan at Leicester, scoring six goals in 35 matches for the Foxes.

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler said: "This is a great opportunity for Facundo to play regular Premier League and Champions League football this season and further his development.

"Facundo has great potential and we see his long-term future with us here, and we will be monitoring his progress with Chelsea this season."

What do you make of Buonanotte and Enciso's exits?

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Forward Julio Enciso has completed a permanent move to Ligue 1 side Strasbourg.

The 21-year-old has joined the French club in a deal understood to be worth a total of £13.8m for the Seagulls.

Enciso signed for Brighton from Libertad in January 2023, making 57 appearances, scoring five goals and providing six assists.

The Paraguay international has not made Fabian Hurzeler's squad yet this season and spent the second half of the 2024-25 campaign on loan with Ipswich Town, where he made 13 appearances and scored twice.

Head coach Fabian Hurzeler told club media: "Julio is keen to play regularly, particularly in a World Cup year. We fully appreciate that, but we are not able to guarantee him regular games.

"This opportunity with Strasbourg gives him the chance to play in Ligue 1 and in Europe. We'd like to thank him for his time with us and wish him well for the future."

Strasbourg are linked to fellow Premier League side Chelsea through their BlueCo ownership, led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, and our reporters revealed on Sunday it is likely Enciso will play for the Blues after a year in France.

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Brighton & Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke spoke to BBC Radio Sussex after the win against Manchester City: "We knew it was going to be a tough game against Man City. They are one of the best in the Premier League and in the world.

"The first half, they dominated but we knew we were still in the game. We kept believing and in the second half we were a different Brighton. The crowd was behind us and we were a really strong team."

On the substitutes: "The boys who came on changed the game for us. They lifted the energy and gave us quality. I am happy for the goalscorers - they did really well to come in and score.

"And James Milner, what a guy. It meant a lot. He is a top professional and a great example for us.

"We knew we needed the win before the international break. If you keep working hard, you get what you deserve."

Listen now on BBC Sounds

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Brighton & Hove Albion's Brajan Gruda spoke to BBC Radio Sussex about coming off the bench to score the winner against Manchester City on Sunday:

"You can see the stadium erupt when the ball goes in. I just felt happiness - it was amazing. I am happy about getting the three points and to score as well is a great feeling.

"This was an important game to give us confidence for after the international break. It is not good timing but hopefully this win will carry us through to the next games.

On intensity at Brighton: "We train every day to be intense every minute. It doesn't matter when you start playing, at the start or 10 minutes to go. You have to have intent."

Fellow substitute Georginio Rutter also gave his thoughts:

"Football is crazy. We knew our first game was not so good and we were disappointed. We wanted to do better today and that's what we did. It's the feeling you get as a kid - a great win.

"I am being careful in training. I know my body and what I can play. This game has given me great confidence and I tried my best."

On reaching 100 games in English football: "That is a lot! This was my dream at 18 years old and I hope to make it 300. Very proud.

"We have the potential to beat every team so we have to stay consistent."

Listen on BBC Sounds

Brighton defender Tariq Lamptey has completed a permanent move to Italian side Fiorentina for an undisclosed fee.

The 24-year-old made 122 appearances for the Seagulls, scoring five goals and contributing 16 assists, after joining from Chelsea in January 2020.

Head coach Fabian Hurzeler said: "He's been a valued player throughout his time, but more than that he is a brilliant professional and person.

"This is a good opportunity for him to play both Serie A and European football. On behalf of everyone at the club I'd like to wish him all the very best for the future."

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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Crystal Palace have turned their attentions to Brighton centre-back Igor Julio in their search for a potential Marc Guehi replacement.

Palace are set to confirm the signing of Toulouse centre-back Jaydee Canvot, but are also after a second defender in order to let Guehi leave for Liverpool.

Igor is emerging a target for Palace and talks are understood to be under way before the 19:00 BST deadline.

Adam Millington
BBC Sport journalist

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When a 16-year-old James Milner netted his first Premier League goal for Leeds against Sunderland in 2002, he probably would not have expected to be scoring another in the top flight 23 years later.

In converting from the penalty spot aged 39 years and 239 days in Brighton's 2-1 win against his former club Manchester City, Milner became the Premier League's second-oldest goalscorer, adding to the feat of being the second youngest when aged 16 years and 356 days.

Teddy Sheringham holds the oldest record at 40 years and 268 days when he scored for West Ham against Portsmouth on 26 December 2006, while James Vaughan was aged 16 years and 270 days when he netted for Everton against Crystal Palace on 10 April 2005.

Asked about the spot-kick which cancelled out Erling Haaland's opener and sparked Brighton's comeback success, Milner told Sky Sports "it's not the easiest thing, but my experience helped".

That highlights a standout aspect of his career and character. With 640 appearances, few can compete with his level of involvement in the top flight.

His goal ended a six-year drought, back to when he netted for Liverpool at Leicester City in 2019, yet the gap of 2,075 days is only the 50th longest in the Premier League.

Milner's former City and England team-mate Joe Hart said the versatile player - who turns 40 in January and can play at full-back or midfield - "still looks fit and fresh".

Such is the longevity of Milner's career, he has now scored in the Premier League against goalkeepers born in the 1960s, 1970s, 1990s and 2000s.

"An absolute legend of the game," is how he was described by former Middlesbrough keeper Mark Schwarzer on BBC Radio 5 Live.

"His longevity, his fitness... he came on today and scored an excellent penalty.

"When you need those experienced players to step up in moments he does, he was never going to shy away from it."

Johnny Cantor
BBC Radio Sussex reporter

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Brighton aren't expected to be very busy on deadline day having made moves for their key targets early in the window. Summer signings have been eased in, with only Maxim de Cuyper regularly featuring in the Seagulls' Premier League starting XI.

Head coach Fabian Hurzeler has reiterated that he is happy with the squad but not totally ruled out late business.

With Tariq Lamptey possibly set to leave, a right full-back could make sense - but Albion have several midfielders who can deputise for Joel Veltman.

Meanwhile, Matt O'Riley is set to join Marseille on loan and Jeremy Sarmiento, Julio Enciso and Facundo Buonanotte are all expected to leave.

Following Joao Pedro's move to Chelsea and Evan Ferguson's departure on loan to Roma, Danny Welbeck is the only recognised number nine, but Giorginio Rutter can push higher up the pitch.

Stephanos Tzimas, Babis Kostoulas and Tommy Watson are young and developing attacking talents who will only improve, but they may have to be patient for their chance.

Last week, a smiling Hurzeler gave a few hints that there may be some possible late arrivals, but you feel he will remain satisfied with his options if nothing materialises.