Brighton & Hove Albion

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Brighton's Jack Hinshelwood says he now has two weeks to "dust off the cobwebs" before the start of the Premier League season after making his return from injury in the pre-season win over QPR.

Hinshelwood, 19, made his first-team breakthrough last season but has been sidelined since needing surgery on a foot injury in February.

He told BBC Radio Sussex: "It has been a long six months and right since the start I've been itching to be back out on the pitch.

"It wasn't perfect but it's just nice to be out there. It gives me two weeks to dust off the cobwebs before the start of the Premier League season.

"I was disappointed not to get minutes in Japan but it probably wasn't the right time. Especially with this injury, we don't want to rush things. It was most important getting me back fit and getting me back on the pitch."

Since his most recent appearance, Fabian Hurzeler has succeeded Roberto de Zerbi as Brighton boss and Hinshelwood believes Hurzeler is building on the foundations laid over the past few successful seasons.

He said: "His [Hurzeler's] identity and way of playing is very intense and exciting as well but I've really enjoyed working under him so far. It has its adaptations but it's similar to what we've been doing. It's the club's philosophy what we've been doing the last three or four years, even since Graham [Potter] was here, it's still a similar way of playing.

"I think the gaffer now is demanding a lot more intensity in our play and making things happen."

Another change at the Seagulls is the departure of long-serving midfielder Pascal Gross and Hinshelwood praised the German's impact on his young career.

"I remember in my first session him bedding me in and I try to take some parts of my game from his as well as his versatility," said Hinshelwood.

"I've learned so much from him and I'm really happy for him because he's got to go and play for his boyhood club and I think he'll go down as an Albion legend.

"I'm really happy for him but I'm going to miss him lots as well."

Listen to the full chat on BBC Sounds

Brighton have made contact with former Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels, who is a free agent. Hummels, 35, won the World Cup with Germany in 2014, although the Seagulls could face competition from West Ham. (Sky Sports), external

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

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Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele says adapting to new head coach Fabian Hurzeler's style of play will take time - but the process is under way.

"Rome wasn't built in a day and I think it's all about laying the foundations," he told BBC Radio Sussex.

"The manager has spoken to us about that a lot, we have the lay the foundations before we try to get to the top of the house.

"You can see we're doing that. We're playing really aggressive, transition football which maybe we haven't for a little while.

"You can see how dangerous we are when we win the ball up high. We look a real threat going forward.

"We've got competition all over the pitch. In every position there are lads that the manager can trust. We've built that over a period of time with the amazing recruitment we have and the togetherness and the team spirit and the culture we're building. The boss has options all over and it's up to us to put in displays to make him question his team selection."

New £30m signing from Newcastle Yankuba Minteh has caught the eye so far in pre-season and Steele is excited to see his impact in the Premier League.

"There's going to be expectation on him because he cost a lot of money but he's got the shoulders to deal with that, without a doubt," he added.

"He's got that energy, that vibrance, charisma. He's got a lot of promising attributes that are going to excite a lot of fans this season."

Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds

Brighton are edging closer to signing Paraguay international Diego Gomez from Major League Soccer outfit Inter Miami.

Sources say Sergio Gomez will link up with Brighton in January. The fee is expected to be around £11m.

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's friendly game between QPR and Brighton, where the Seagulls ran out 1-0 winners.

Here are some of your comments:

Jammers: We showed a lot of promise. Jeremy Sarmiento and Yankuba Minteh looked great. It was great to see Hinshelwood back and Mitoma. It is a bit concerning how many players are still missing and I assume Gilmour's gone? It is a shame the new manager wasn’t a bit friendlier at the end. I am looking forward to the new season! A lot to be excited about.

Sam: Minteh is going to be a key player this season. He was amazing once again.

Joe: Brighton dominated but lacked penetration in the final third. There were promising things from Minteh and Baleba.

Mark: QPR are no mugs, but there was quite a bit of young talent in the Brighton squad. So to win by a penalty, that often would not be given, wasn't stellar. Hope it is just a case of new players bedding in and new tactics.

Simon: I thought Brighton were very disappointing against a mediocre Championship club, who actually played quite well. The club missed the likes of Gilmour, Pedro and Moder - who for suspicious reasons weren't playing!

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Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler speaking to BBC Radio Sussex after the win over QPR: "Most importantly we kept a clean sheet and we were pretty good against the ball. We didn't allow the opponent to have any clear chances.

"Our goal for this game was to work together. We had some chances and with the ball there was some good things and bad things. We had a phase in the first half where we made too many mistakes, but in general it was a very good test and a step forward.

"We are not where we want to be but we are going in the right direction. We are happy, we know are not perfect but we also know that the process takes time. We are trying to integrate players and we have some injured players that are coming back.

"The team works hard and that is the most important thing. I like the attitude of the players and their willingness to improve."

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Danny Welbeck's goal was enough to seal Brighton a 1-0 pre-season win against QPR.

What did you learn from that performance, Seagulls supporters?

Let us know your thoughts on the match here, external

The Premier League season is fast approaching and clubs are continuing their pre-season preparations.

Here's a look at where teams are in action on a busy Saturday.

Napoli have an offer of 12m euros (£10.2m) ready for 23-year-old Brighton and Scotland midfielder Billy Gilmour and are waiting for players to leave the club before making it. (Sky Sports Italy), external

Stuttgart will withdraw their interest in Brighton's Germany striker Deniz Undav, 28, and look at new targets soon if they cannot reach a deal with Albion. (Kicker, in German), external

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

Following the news of Pascal Gross' Brighton departure, we asked you to have your say on his move and for your favourite memories from his seven years at the club.

Here are a selection of your responses:

Daniel: Pascal Gross will go down as one the best players to put on the Brighton shirt. Absolute legend. Played in various positions when asked. Always gave everything. Will be missed. No more Cruyff turns!

Chrissyboy: What a model professional. I'm very sorry to see Pascal leave but it's likely a very good move given the stage of his career. So many fantastic memories - difficult to pinpoint one in particular but his Cruyff-esque turns always got people off their seats.

Craig: My favourite player of all players ever, his intelligence on the ball was incredible and we will never see so many players stuffed by the 'Gross turn' again. I really hope they retire his number as I believe that would be a fitting tribute.

Artstoneme: Pascal Gross was a true gentleman and I saw how he talked to young children outside the ground after games. I am immensely proud that he played for my team and that my team have acted with such class as his time on the South Coast ends.

Charlie: Our best signing of the Premier League era. Every Cruyff turn, every goal against Manchester United, every time he was on the pitch he gave us something special. I'm convinced he's the reason we stayed afloat in the Premier League those first few seasons! I doubt we'll find a like-for-like replacement for him - there's only one Pascal Gross.

Brian: So sad to see Pascal go, but equally grateful for having such a passionate and skilful player for the past seven seasons. I'm sure every Albion fan will wish him the very best of luck at Dortmund, and just be sorry we couldn't give him a proper send off. Brighton legend.

Scott McCarthy, We Are Brighton, external

There was no way Pascal Gross was going to turn down a move to the club he supported as a boy. And there was no way Brighton should have denied him the chance.

For everything Gross has given the Albion over the past seven seasons, he has earned the right to live out of his dream of playing for Borussia Dortmund.

But it still hurts. I have not been this sad by a player leaving Brighton since Bobby Zamora in 2003. I was 15 then. Is it normal for a 36-year-old to be upset about a transfer?

Maybe when it is the greatest player you have ever seen play for your club involved. Because that is what Gross is. Sorry, was.

The numbers speak for themselves. 261 appearances. 32 goals. 52 assists. Without Gross, the Albion would have been relegated from the Premier League long ago. Take the 2017-18 season for example, when Gross was involved in nearly 50% of the Seagulls’ goals.

When Graham Potter inexplicably dropped Gross through the first half of 2020-21, Brighton won two of 18 matches. His return saw seven wins from the final 20 as the Albion pulled clear of relegation.

Potter learned his lesson and Gross was barely dropped again. Roberto de Zerbi hailed him one of the greatest players he had worked with.

Little wonder when Gross did such a spectacular job at right-back, left-back, as a holding midfielder or number 10 under De Zerbi. You have to be a special, intelligent footballer to switch so seamlessly between roles. And that is what Gross was.

To have the honour of watching him live was to see a master at work. There was the 'Gross Turn' which bamboozled countless opposition players, even though they knew it was coming. And there was the way he would arch a beautiful, pinpoint cross onto a team-mate's head for another assist.

His departure represents the end of an exquisite era at the Amex. There will be many Pilsners raised tonight across the Sussex area in honour of Der Kaiser.

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In a farewell letter, external to Brighton supporters, Pascal Gross has said he has left the Seagulls after seven years with a "heavy heart" - but "knew he would regret" not joining his boyhood club Borussia Dortmund.

Reflecting on his time with Brighton, the Germany midfielder said: "I got to represent the Albion in some of the best stadiums in the world, on that first journey into Europe and Marseille, Amsterdam, Athens and Rome; and to wear the blue and white stripes at Wembley in two FA Cup semi-finals.

"Whenever Lewis Dunk was unavailable, I was always honoured to wear the captain's armband, and I'm privileged to hold the club record for most goals in the Premier League (sorry Glenn Murray!).

"There are so many people I would like to thank; the three coaches I played for, Tony Bloom, Paul Barber, all my team-mates across the seven years, the unsung heroes behind the scenes in the coaching, analysis, medical, catering, player liaison, security, media teams, and right across the club. They put so much into what makes this club so special.

"And to the fans, who have been amazing since the day I arrived, thank you. I'm sorry to be leaving you, but I hope I will get a chance to say goodbye and thank you in person at a match very soon."

He concluded: "I don't know what the future holds, after playing, but the club means so much to me and my family. I know I will be back at some point in the future, even if it's just as a fan to support the club."

Pascal Gross joined Brighton following their promotion to the Premier League in 2017 and has played a pivotal role in establishing the Seagulls in the top flight, as well as helping them into European competition for the first time.

No player has scored more goals or made more assists for Brighton in the Premier League than the German midfielder, while only captain Lewis Dunk has appeared in more Premier League games (241) or appeared in more victories (74) for the club.

Brighton will need to find a way of replacing Gross' creative influence; according to Opta,, external only Manchester City's Kevin de Bruyne (602) set up more chances than Gross (508) across the past seven seasons in England's top flight.

Gross' availability for selection has also been a major plus for the Seagulls. He appeared in 228 of Brighton's 266 league games during his seven-year spell at the club, while he missed only three league matches in the past two seasons.

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Following the news of Pascal Gross' move to boyhood club Borussia Dortmund on Thursday, BBC Radio Sussex's Johnny Cantor reacted to the midfielder's exit and his time with Brighton.

On X (formerly Twitter), Cantor said: "Der Kaiser. The numbers speak for themselves but when it comes to Pascal Gross it was very much about the memories he created for #bhafc fans."

In reply, Baaaaald said: "Totally Johnny. Too many to list. Our greatest ever player. We will need more contributions from more players in this new look side."

While Julie responded: "He definitely did create so many great memories. We shall miss him. #Legend"

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So, after seven years, 261 appearances, 32 goals and 52 assists in all competitions, plus countless positions played in, Pascal Gross has departed Brighton.

What are you best memories of Gross?

What tributes do you want to pay him?

And how do Brighton move on?

Let us know here, external

Image source, Getty Images

Brighton's hierarchy have been paying tribute to Pascal Gross who has joined Borussia Dortmund after seven years at the club.

Technical director David Weir: "We fought hard to convince Pascal to stay with us, and further his unbelievable legacy with the club, but ultimately the lure of his boyhood team proved too strong. Having agreed a fee with Dortmund, we could not stand in his way.

"It's an incredible opportunity for Pascal, seeing out his career playing for his boyhood team at the top level of German football, and nobody would wish to deny him that chance. I am sure many of us will watch with great interest over the coming seasons."

Head coach Fabian Hurzeler: "We are really sorry to lose Pascal, but we fully understood his situation. It is understandable that he wanted to take the opportunity to join one of the very top clubs in Germany, and he goes with our best wishes for the future.

"I am disappointed not to have had the chance to work with him, but I would like to thank him for the impact he has had on this club, as that has undoubtedly helped me as coach."

Chairman Tony Bloom: "In terms of his contribution on the pitch, Pascal goes down as the club's greatest-ever Premier League signing. He has been with us since the start of the Premier League era, and has been such a superb player for us.

"He has been a joy to watch and contributed so many important and memorable moments across the last seven seasons. I am really sad to see him leave - and I know it has not been an easy decision for him - but I understand his desire to see out his career at the top of the German game with the club he grew up supporting.

"The term legend is often overused, but in Pascal's case he is a genuine legend of this club and will be welcome back here at any time in the future."

Deputy chairman and chief executive Paul Barber: "Pascal has been a fabulous professional - on and off the pitch - and has become a friend to many of us at the club. We will miss him greatly.

"However, we also know that the opportunity for Pascal to join his boyhood club was one that was simply too exciting for him to turn down at this stage of his career. We wish him well."

Image source, Getty Images

Pascal Gross has joined German Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund after seven years at Brighton.

Gross was Albion's first signing after promotion to the Premier League in 2017 and scored their first goal in the division against West Brom.

The 33-year-old leaves after making 261 appearances in all competitions, scoring 32 goals and providing 52 assists.

His 30 Premier League goals makes him Brighton's all-time top scorer in the division and his 45 Premier League assists is the second highest by a German behind former Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil.

Gross featured heavily in the club's first European season last year and was rewarded for his fine performances over the past few seasons with a call-up to the Germany squad for Euro 2024, where he appeared in the 5-1 win over Scotland.

What are your best memories of Gross?

And what next for Brighton?

Have your say, external

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

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Players like Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund are already suffering from hamstring injuries two weeks before the season even starts - and they say the modern preparation regimes are better, safer and more scientific!

They probably are better. At least the players do not have to go through some of the borderline sadistic routines that previous generations did. Back then, after a decent length of summer break, pre-season meant working incredibly hard over a short period of time to get yourself back in top condition fast.

Sprinting up and down gigantic sand dunes against the clock until many players were physically sick was de rigueur, alongside other road runs and track work.

Here is the weird part: I used to look forward to that, the way a class swot looks forward to exams. Being smaller, lighter and a committed long-distance runner all my young life, even before I became a pro footballer, it was, if not exactly a piece of cake, then certainly much easier for me than most of the rest of the team.

I have asked many modern managers what they would prefer to do in a perfect world during their pre-season. The most common answer is "just about anything other than what we are forced to do now!"

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Brighton have agreed a £5.9m deal to allow 33-year-old Germany midfielder Pascal Gross to join Borussia Dortmund. (Guardian), external

Want more transfer news? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Image source, Brighton & Hove Albion FC x Percival

Brighton have unveiled their new away kit for the 2024-25 season.

The club say the shirt has been designed as "an iconic refresh of the university gold 2013-14 away kit with navy blue pinstripe detailing and navy sleeve edging", while it also features a wide stripe of white along the side.

Albion also confirmed that, in a change from previous years, the 2024-25 away strip will not become their third kit for the 2025-26 season.

This new shirt will first be worn in Brighton's friendly against QPR on 3 August.

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Pat Nevin, former Chelsea, Everton and Scotland winger writing in his Football Extra newsletter:

The pre-season friendlies are in full swing and let's be straight about this, the players generally hate these games, whatever they say.

They clearly haven't had enough rest in the summer, it is a grind getting your body back into peak shape, especially if the accumulated injuries from last season haven’t been allowed to fully recover.

The games themselves are weird affairs, where you would like to win but that is nowhere near the most important thing. Fitness, integrating new players, possibly a new manager and sometimes a new system are each more important. You also know full well that it is a hotch-potch of a team selection to give players minutes. The fans, mass media and social media will read far too much into every game and every performance.

From within the team itself, there are different motivations. A young or new player being given his first chance will be racing about like an overexcited spaniel. Other experienced players will be easing themselves back into it, the primary concern in their minds is to be fit and healthy come the first weekend of the Premier League season.

‌Deep down they don't worry if they get thumped by Celtic or DC United on their US tours, nobody at Chelsea or Aston Villa will remember or care about these results in two weeks' time.

‌Unless of course you are a DC or indeed Celtic fan. The Celts just beat Chelsea and Man City. Now that is impressive pre-season form or is that just Scottish bias.

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Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

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Remember the picture of the Japan dressing room after their victory over Germany at the World Cup in Qatar?

The picture went viral because the Japanese contingent tidied up after themselves, rather than leave it to the cleaners.

Well, not to be outdone, I was sent this picture by someone at Brighton after their pre-season victory over Tokyo Verdy on Sunday. They even left a shirt as a souvenir.

I do not actually know who did the tidying - and if I am being honest, cleaning up after yourself (collective) should be the norm.

But it is a good thing they did it, at the end of what seems to have been an excellent tour for the Seagulls - certainly results-wise, given they won both matches quite easily under new boss Fabian Hurzeler.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on Brighton's 4-2 win over Tokyo Verdy during the club's tour of Japan.

Here are some of your comments:

Simon: We look more direct and stronger going forward but there is work to be done in defence, particularly against quick breaks. We look to have a far stronger squad already and the signings so far seem to be great additions. I would love to hold on to Pascal Gross one more season and I am hoping that we can start to integrate Lewis Dunk's successor.

Charlie: We didn't play quite as well as we did against Kashima. Defending was a tad shaky overall but not too bad. One of the standout players for me was Yankuba Minteh and I hope he starts against Everton next month.

Eltel: Quietly confident for the new season. Why? These players were given the opportunity to express themselves without some of the major pros on tour. Liked Facundo Buonanotte in the more central role. Valentin Barco is improving, Minteh looks like he could be a good investment and the pick for me was Amario Cozier-Duberry.

Paul: I've seen many friendlies over the years with most proving to be a disappointment but this is the first time I've seen youngsters really trying to impress to stake a place in the squad. With so much quality available, the new coach is going to have a headache deciding who will make the grade.