Mitoma 'will be 100% when season starts'published at 09:00 29 July
09:00 29 July
Image source, Getty Images
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler is confident that winger Kaoru Mitoma will be fully fit at the start of the 2024-25 Premier League season.
Mitoma missed the final three months of last season because of a back problem, but the winger has returned to action during Brighton's pre-season tour of his native Japan.
Speaking after Sunday's 4-2 win against Tokyo Verdy, Hurzeler told the club website:, external "Kaoru Mitoma is not 100% but he has now played two very good games and he was training every session.
"He is trying to improve his physical condition. On the pitch we saw that he has unbelievable skills. We still have three weeks to go, so I think it will be improved day-by-day.
"I'm convinced and I'm sure that Kaoru will be 100% when the season starts."
The Seagulls comfortably won both of their friendly matches in Japan, scoring nine goals in the process.
Hurzeler added: "We've had a really good week's training, working very hard in tough conditions. The players have put a lot into training and we've had two good matches against good opponents.
"It's been great for team bonding and we've also been able to enjoy much of what Tokyo has to offer, and the players have embraced the Japanese culture."
Full time: Tokyo Verdy 2-4 Brightonpublished at 12:37 28 July
12:37 28 July
Brighton finished their pre-season tour of Japan with a 4-2 win over Tokyo Verdy on Sunday.
Goals from Jan Paul van Hecke, Yankuba Minteh, Simon Adingra and Jeremy Sarmiento saw the Seagulls make it back-to-back victories having beaten Kashima Antlers on Wednesday.
Which Premier League clubs fly the most in pre-season?published at 08:07 28 July
08:07 28 July
David Lockwood BBC Sport Editorial Sustainability Lead
Image source, Getty Images
Los Angeles or Chesterfield? San Diego or Salford?
The pre-season destinations of 20 Premier League clubs may be varied, but the issue remains the same - the impact of so many flights.
Half (10) of the clubs have flown to the United States for friendlies; three have travelled to the Far East and the rest are in Europe and the UK.
Manchester United's pre-season schedule see them flying almost 13,000 miles playing fixtures in Norway, Scotland, and across the US. Chelsea and Tottenham are also expected to fly in excess of 12,000 miles.
In contrast, Everton will fly the least, with just one fixture outside the UK in the Republic of Ireland.
Spurs and Newcastle also played an exhibition fixture in May - three days after the season finished - for which they both flew to Melbourne, Australia, a game Alan Shearer described as “madness”. Add in those air miles and both teams will have travelled in excess of 30,000 air miles in the close-season, equivalent to more than once around the globe, to play in non-competitive matches.
Newcastle and Spurs both have a target to be Net Zero by 2030, while Manchester United and Chelsea are in process of establishing an emissions reduction plan.
Net Zero requires the reduction and removal of all 'non-essential emissions' - so are these games essential?
Wycombe's David Wheeler is a leading sustainability campaigner in football and told BBC Sport: "These games are only necessary in the sense that the clubs want to make more money and grow their fan base".
He added: "The vast majority of players don't want to be away from their families, they don't want to be travelling around the world after a full slog of a season. They're overworked and injuries have gone through the roof, so there is a synergy between player welfare and planetary welfare."
An estimated travelling group of 30 flying 12,864 air miles business class generates around 200 tonnes of CO2 - the equivalent of 500,000 miles driven by an average petrol car, or the entire annual emissions for a year of 16 people in the UK.
Tottenham said it is "committed to minimising its environmental impact" in all its operations, "which will take time and effort". The club says it "ensures" all teams travel "as sustainably as possible throughout the season". It "measures, manages and reports on travel emissions" and will offsets "where possible."
Including the May trip to Australia for Newcastle and Tottenham more than doubles those two clubs' total flights in the close-season and puts them way above the rest of the Premier League for environmental impact
Mitoma maniapublished at 17:58 26 July
17:58 26 July
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
Image source, Brighton and Hove Albion
Image caption,
Brighton fans at the club's shop in Tokyo
At Fabian Hurzeler's unveiling as Brighton manager last month, technical director David Weir spoke about the club's pre-season trip to Japan and how it was a chance to grow the club's brand.
The venue is no coincidence given Kaoru Mitoma's popularity in the country.
The sight of Tokyo-based Brighton fans decked out in club colours is evidence of how far the club has come since the dark days of two decades ago, when it appeared it might go out of existence.
Brighton have an open training session tomorrow with 3,000 tickets sold.
They conclude their trip with a clash against J League side Tokyo Verdy on Sunday.
Image source, Brighton and Hove Albion
Image caption,
Brighton fans at the club's shop in Tokyo
What should the future be for Ayari and Gilmour?published at 15:09 26 July
15:09 26 July
With Billy Gilmour's future up in the air and Yasin Ayari yet to make his name in the Brighton squad, we asked what you would do with the two midfielders.
Here are some of your comments:
Kevin: Billy Gilmour must stay. He gets man of the match most weeks and makes the midfield tick. The £8m offer from Napoli is derisory. It is nowhere near his true value.
Richard: Loan Ayari out to West Brom, Hull, etc.
Simon: Whatever happens don't sell Billy Gilmour!
Phil: We should keep Gilmour. The Napoli offer was insulting and he has been an essential part of our midfield.
Where does Ayari fit into Hurzeler's plan?published at 14:27 25 July
14:27 25 July
Katie Stafford BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
As Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler continues to settle into his new role, he will have to decide whether Yasin Ayari plays a role in the Seagulls 2024-25 Premier League campaign, or if the midfielder is to be loaned out for a third spell.
The 20-year-old, who signed from AIK Solna in January 2023, was likely an investment for the future at £3.5m but was also rumoured to be the replacement for Moises Caicedo.
At the time, technical director David Weir said he would "need time to settle here and acclimatise to the Premier League" but "is a versatile and technical midfield player."
He was given his debut in a 5-0 FA Cup win over Grimsby and has made three Premier League appearances, including a first start against Aston Villa in May 2023.
Ayari joined Championship outfit Coventry City on a season-long loan that summer, and while he showed glimpses of promise for Mark Robins' side, he spent the majority of games on the bench and unused.
He played 13 times for the Sky Blues, scoring one goal, before his loan was terminated in January and he made the switch to Blackburn Rovers. Weir facilitated the move to Lancashire to "give him more opportunities to play" and he made a total of 11 appearances there as Rovers fought for survival.
So what next for the Sweden international?
Ayari travelled to Japan as part of Hurzeler's 31-man pre-season squad and netted in the 5-1 win over Kashima Antlers on Wednesday.
If he was hoping to make an impression on the new boss then his calmly executed goal was the perfect way to do so.
And although his loan spells have failed to deliver so far, a third move is most likely to be the outcome. Brighton's midfield boasts first-team starters in Karou Mitoma, Solly March, Pascal Gross and Billy Gilmour, so competition would be tough for a player that is still developing.
But should Gilmour leave the Amex for Napoli this summer, then a slot for Ayari may just open and it could be his chance to shine.
What do you suggest Brighton fans? Will another season out on loan benefit the youngster, or should Hurzeler keep him for development and squad depth?
'Very promising' and 'can't wait for the season to start' published at 16:55 24 July
16:55 24 July
We asked for your opinions on Brighton's 5-1 pre-season victory against J-League side Kashima Antlers.
Here are some of your responses:
Martin: Excellent performances by everyone, Barco really stood out, as did Minteh and Cozier-Duberry but a great all-round display only spoiled by the offside and handball goal they scored near the end. There’s so much competition for places this season, it’s looking good!
Norm: Watched the game on live streaming and we looked fluid going forward, particularly in the second half. Cozier-Duberry and Sarmiento were very sharp and took their goals well. I can see why Arsenal were gutted that Cozier-Duberry turned down a new contract to join us.
Ryoka: I watched the game in Tokyo. Mitoma's dribbling was sharp after his injury, and also other players played well resulting in five goals. Looking forward to coming 24-25 season!
David: Opposition poor defensively but very promising signs for Brighton with a host of talent on display. Lots of speed and an eye for goal - there will be competition for places this season and that is always a good thing.
Jason: Solid first half, Mitoma started to look good as the half went on. Interesting choice having Baleba as centre-back, but he did OK. Minteh looked promising. Second half was a far more attacking formation and some really good movement for the goals. Cozier-Duberry... why did Arsenal let him go? Sarmiento has to stay with us this term to try and break through.
Tim: Very exciting times, our attacking options look fabulous for this season and I’ve got a great feeling about Hurzeler, he seems calm and composed with the whole team looking sharp and ready for action. Can’t wait for the season to start!
Wieffer close to Brighton bowpublished at 15:57 24 July
15:57 24 July
Image source, Getty Images
Brighton midfielder Mats Wieffer is close to returning to action after arriving at the club with a thigh injury.
Brighton paid £25m for the Dutch international but he sat out the 5-1 win over Kashima Antlers earlier today.
Wieffer is described as being "very close" to playing.
Scotland midfielder Billy Gilmour also missed out in Tokyo, although there was never a plan for him to be involved after featuring at Euro 2024.
Adam Webster and Jack Hinshelwood had "minor issues" while Igor Julio also missed out due to injury.
'Quite a lot of positives' - Hurzelerpublished at 15:27 24 July
15:27 24 July
Image source, Getty Images
New boss Fabian Hurzeler was disappointed Brighton could not keep a clean sheet in their 5-1 friendly victory against Japanese side Kashima Antlers but said "there were quite a lot of positive things" in the display.
Speaking to the club's official website, the German said: "The goal in the end makes me a little bit, not angry, but a little bit disappointed because I think a clean sheet every time is good, especially for Jason (Steele), but there's still things to improve and we will continue tomorrow.
"It's a win, and this win gives you self confidence. I don't think everything was perfect - how we played and how we defended.
"But what I see is a team who suffered together, who showed a togetherness on the pitch. So when we lost the ball everyone did counter pressing and got behind the ball as quickly as possible."
He also praised new signing Amario Cozier-Duberry, who scored twice in the victory after joining the club earlier this month, saying: "Today was a great performance for him. His performance was not only about scoring goals, but the most important thing is how we work against the ball and how he does counter pressing when we lose the ball.
"I see a lot of positive things, not only from him, also from the whole team."
The Seagulls continue their trip in Japan with a game against Tokyo Verdy on Sunday.
Kashima Antlers 1-5 Brighton - tell us your thoughtspublished at 13:12 24 July
13:12 24 July
A huge win for Brighton to open their tour in Japan, but what did you learn from Fabian Hurzeler's first game in charge?
Barber's 'vision' to make Brighton 'regular top-10 club'published at 09:10 24 July
09:10 24 July
Image source, Getty Images
Brighton chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber says the club has to "carry on being smarter" if they want to "compete financially" in the Premier League.
After securing European football for the first time in 2022-23, Brighton finished 11th under Roberto de Zerbi last season.
Barber says his "vision" under new manager Fabian Hurzeler is to "maintain a top-10 position" in the English top flight.
"We very much enjoyed playing in the Europa League last season - it was a great experience for the club," Barber told the media during Brighton's pre-season tour in Japan. "It was the first time in our 123 year history that we have played in that competition.
"The Premier League is the most competitive league in the world, so we have to work particularly hard to maintain a top-10 position. That is our vision: to be a top-10 Premier League club on a regular basis.
"So we have to carry on being smarter. We are never going to be able to compete in terms of huge football club brands like Manchester United or some of the bigger names like Liverpool.
"We have to use the resources we do have. We can't waste any time, money or energy. We have to keep competing in the best way we can and we are confident we can do that.
"But there are always bumps in the road. It is never a straight line of progress and it hasn't been through the past 12 years - but we have built resilience, learned a lot from last season, and now we are very excited to go into another Premier League season.
"It is a very exciting time to be a fan of the club."
Hurzeler on 'important' Mitoma and breeding a 'winning culture'published at 18:40 23 July
18:40 23 July
Image source, Getty Images
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has revealed that Kaoru Mitoma will be a "very important player" in his squad and has also shared his hopes that the Seagulls' pre-season tour will create "lifelong memories" for the Japan international.
The Seagulls are preparing to take on J1 League side Kashima Antlers at Japan National Stadium on Wednesday (11:00 BST) before facing Tokyo Verdy on Saturday (10:30 BST).
The games will mark Mitoma's return to action, after the winger missed most of the second half of last season through injury.
"He is a player who can make a difference and decide an equal game with one action, by dribbling or shooting," Hurzeler said. "So, he is a very important player in my thoughts.
"I hope that this week will be special for him. We will try to give him everything he needs, especially this week.
"All of the team are here to play for him and to make this week a good memory in his life."
The German manager also spoke about his desire to implement a "winning culture" at Amex Stadium, stating: "The club has already created its values. These are values we will try to continue.
"On top of that, I want to create a culture of winning. We want to challenge the establishment and bring higher standards in our training because winning needs a lot of work invested.
"I want to build this culture of winning."
Humans are still neededpublished at 14:21 23 July
14:21 23 July
Pat Nevin Former footballer and presenter
Image source, Getty Images
It isn't quiet in one specific part of the major football clubs - the acquisitions department.
I know that because I was once the acquisitions department - well me and the manager mostly. While each player returned from holidays like a bronzed Adonis, we were cooped up in a small darkened room, beavering the daylight hours away like vampires.
There is plenty of guesswork in the media and a fair bit of leaking from the players and their people, but the clubs usually try to keep their transfer moves as quiet as possible.
If word gets out that a player is available, they know they might lose him to another club or else the price will increase as a bidding war erupts.
These are high stakes games and many are impressed by those who gamble and go early.
Manchester City have always been good enough, and let's be honest wealthy enough, to be able to do this well.
The problem is that some clubs are trying to do the same thing and are ending up paying top dollar for less able players, because they haven't done their due diligence in the market.
This is another area where the use of data, or maybe over-reliance on pure data, comes into play - feed all of the numbers in, let the technology do the crunching, and out comes the answer.
The problem is that everyone else has got the same or similar data.
What is needed, of course, is good human knowledge and the vision to aid the use of the information they have got. This is why these departments should be busy just now, they shouldn't just be doing deals which are admittedly very complex legal and financial documents these days.
Even more time should be spent on ensuring the new £75m player hasn't got a hidden weakness in his game or even the odd skeleton in his closet.
Do clubs actually play more games?published at 11:11 19 July
11:11 19 July
Image source, Getty Images
It seems inevitable a host of Premier League managers will point to fixture congestion in the months to come.
When injuries mount, or when time on the training ground is squeezed, coaches often reference the intense nature of the calendar.
But research conducted by the respected CIES Football Observatory has delivered data which shows clubs are - on average - not playing more competitive games than they have in the last couple of decades.
The CIES looked at 677 clubs across 40 leagues. In looking at a period from 2012 to 2024, its findings show in 2023-24, the average club played 42.4 competitive matches. In 2014-15 that figure was 42.6 and in 2020-21 it hit 43.9.
And if focus is placed on sides competing in the Champions League, data gathered between 2000 and 2024 also shows sides are not setting fixture records in the current game, as some managers may like to loosely imply.
In looking at the five major European Leagues, the CIES claim Champions League competitors played an average of 50.8 matches last season.
In 2020-21 they averaged 57.9 and in 2002-03 they contested 55.2.
Manchester United played in 52 competitive games last season, down from highs of 71 in 2020-21 and 66 in 2008-09.
Across all of the clubs analysed, only 4% played more than 60 games last season. In 2012-13, the figure stood at 5.1%.
While clubs may play added friendlies and - it would be fair to say - individual matches tend to be longer given increased injury time in the current game, the data shows that competitive fixture numbers are flat or have in most cases fallen, even if disgruntled managers say otherwise.
'When he started pressing defenders they were scared of him'published at 11:51 17 July
11:51 17 July
Image source, Getty Images
New Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh is "lightning quick" but has learned how to "control" his game, says Dutch football writer Lentin Goodijk.
The 19-year-old joined the club from Newcastle United in June in a £30m five-year deal.
The Magpies signed Minteh from Danish club Odense in June 2023 but he did not make a first-team appearance for the club.
He spent last season on loan at Dutch club Feyenoord, scoring 10 goals in 27 league games while also finding the net against Celtic in the Champions League.
"I followed Feyenoord at a training camp a year ago in the summer in Austria and he was one of the players that stood out in different ways because he was not so much a controlled player at the time," Goodijk told BBC Radio Sussex.
"I think one year ago he was still playing in Africa and then he went to Denmark for a season and then he went to to Feyenoord and was playing in the Champions League which was a huge leap.
"He is lightning quick and you could see in those pre-season games when he started pressing defenders they were scared of him when he had the ball and looking back at where he was again.
"He surprised a lot players in pre-season and Arne Slot liked the fact that not only was he providing depth and goals but he was really putting the effort in the press as well. So he was a great player but he had to learn a lot of things and during the season he got more and more control in his actions."
'It was a big moment and he had a big role in it'published at 20:12 16 July
20:12 16 July
Image source, Getty Images
New Brighton midfielder Mats Wieffer is "not the player who attracts the most attention" but he had "a big role" in Feyenoord's title-winning season.
The 24-year-old has joined the Seagulls in a deal until 2029 and has cost the club a reported 30m euros (£25.4m).
Wieffer came through the FC Twente academy in the Netherlands before dropping down to the second division for two seasons with Excelsior.
In 2022, he joined Feyenoord, who were managed by new Liverpool boss Arne Slot, and scored nine goals while contributing 11 assists in 79 games across two seasons.
"Feyenoord took a gamble to take him for half a million euros and, after half a year struggling with some kind of injury, he came in the team and gave them great balance immediately," Dutch football writer Lentin Goodijk told BBC Radio Sussex.
"They won the league for only the second time this century. It was a big moment and he had a big role in it.
"He's not the player who attracts the most attention but does his role well. Arne Slot really worked with him and developed him physically.
"He can run a lot. He is winning a lot of duels - I think he had most times for possession won in the Eredivisie last season, so not just good at tackles but reading the play and winning those balls. He really played very well in the Champions League and controlled as the number six for Feyenoord.
"Wieffer really loves to get the information [from his coach] and can really channel it and do everything he gets told, which is another quality of course.
Image source, Getty Images
