Brighton & Hove Albion

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Brighton's Premier League campaign and inaugural season in Europe resulted in a high turnover of injuries.

A total of 43 separate injuries were recorded, which is the third-highest of any top-flight club.

Research conducted for more than 20 years by the Premier Injuries website, external suggests that the total number of individual injuries across the league, where a player missed at least one Premier League game, was the highest they had recorded.

Many players suffered more than one injury.

Of Roberto de Zerbi's 26-man squad, 21 were ruled out at some point in the season. That is only bettered by Tottenham who had 22.

A total of 1,727 combined days were lost to these injuries and in their worst-hit game week De Zerbi had nine players absent.

Read the full breakdown of injuries in the 2023-24 Premier League season

Brighton are confident of beating Chelsea in hiring Kieran McKenna but could try to bring back former manager Graham Potter if they fail to do so. (Times - subscription required), external

Stoke City's Souleymane Sidibe, 17, could be on the move this summer with Brighton, Chelsea, Monaco and Juventus interested in the French midfielder. (Foot Mercato - in French), external

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

Johnny Cantor
BBC Radio Sussex reporter

Well it was a blast - short and sweet - but Roberto de Zerbi's time at Brighton is over.

His final season, which started with five wins in six games, faded away to an 11th placed finish with one victory in the last 10 matches, scoring just five goals. However, that doesn't really tell the whole story.

Lessons were swiftly learnt in their maiden European campaign, finally finishing top of a group which included teams brimming with pedigree.

The comeback at Marseille was a pivotal moment and the win against the French side at Amex Stadium was certainly a highlight. The 4-0 defeat in Rome hurt De Zerbi more than anyone, particularly as it was in his home country against fellow Italian Daniele de Rossi.

However, tensions began to grow from January.

A significant and sustained injury list began to take its toll. Key players such as Kaoru Mitoma, Solly March and Jack Hinshelwood were ruled out for the season. Joao Pedro, Julio Enciso and Danny Welbeck were missing for long periods.

The Italian wanted to push on in terms of recruitment but the club would not, and probably never will, deviate from its successful model.

A parting of ways was not surprising and speculation of other jobs and public comments gave a few clues as to what was to come, but the send-off he received on the final day showed how much the fans appreciated what he delivered.

His attractive style of play drew admirers from all areas of the game. It was not without its faults, but football is never perfect. If it was, it would not be such fun.

Off the pitch, the club has recorded record profits and the search for a replacement manager is underway, but targets will have been assessed long before De Zerbi's departure. It is just the way Brighton and Hove Albion work.

Succession planning has underpinned their recent success and it will once again be the foundation for an unprecedented eighth season in the top-flight.

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Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma is looking forward to showing his team-mates his homeland when they travel to Japan for pre-season in July.

The Japan international, who has missed a significant amount of time this season with a back injury, confirmed he will be fit to play the two friendly games in Tokyo.

"You don’t often get the opportunity like this," Mitoma told the club website, external. "I am hoping a lot of people will come and watch us live in these two matches.

"I hope the fans will give us an incredible welcome in Japan, and it I know it will be a wonderful experience for the players and the club to see Japan and what a great country it is.

"I am looking forward to showing my team-mates my home country, and these will be my first matches after the injury."

Albion will play Kashima Antlers and Tokyo Verdy in the 68,000 capacity National Stadium on 24 July and 28 July respectively.

Club captain Lewis Dunk added: "The trip will be an important part of our pre-season preparations and we've got two games in a brilliant stadium which we're really looking forward to.

"We've built up a big following in Japan since Mitoma came to the club and began tearing up the Premier League!"

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Brighton chief executive Paul Barber has been giving some insight into the club's future in an exclusive interview on the Albion Unlimited podcast.

Barber discussed everything from what led to Roberto de Zerbi's shock departure to how things have panned out this season and his plans for the club.

"We worked very hard over the last couple of years to make the relationship [with De Zerbi] as good as it could be. But all good things come to an end and it has been a really good two years.

"Obviously the first year was spectacular - it led us to our highest ever finish and European football. This year has been tougher, partly because of all of the extra games.

"But here we are, finishing 11th and feeling a little bit disappointed. For Brighton, if you look at our history and our record at the top level, 11th and feeling disappointed is a sign of progress in itself.

"The process that we follow has got us this far and that gives us confidence and belief. We are very clear with the way we work and with our coaching staff, including Roberto, and he has been very respectful of the process we follow.

"We have to understand that for a club of our size, with revenues of our size, we have to compete in a different way. We have found a different way of competing, particularly in terms of player recruitment, and that gives us a bit of an edge.

"It's not perfect - we are not perfect - so the system itself is still being refined season after season. However, it works very well for us. It is not just the last two seasons of relative success - it is what got us to the Premier League and has kept us here."

Barber wanted to reassure Seagulls supporters of the club's plans moving forward: "We always try and have a plan. We have got a plan. We now need to execute that plan, but we wanted to make sure that we were being totally respectful to Roberto.

"We don't wait for a coach to leave before we start the work. Part of our process is to make sure that we always know who the next coach might be.

"Obviously we can't guarantee it, because we don't know people's circumstances at the time the incumbent coach leaves, but we work really hard on our coach homework.

"The fans can be assured that this is work we have been doing for some time."

However, the chief executive admitted it will be "hard" to replace the Italian manager: "It will be hard. He is a top coach and someone that we knew a lot about before he came here.

"I think he more than met our expectations, particularly in the first season.

"He will be difficult to replace, for sure."

Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds

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Brighton defender Joel Veltman has been discussing Roberto de Zerbi's decision to leave the club in an exclusive interview on BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast.

The Italian manager's shock departure was only announced the day before Brighton's last game of the season against Manchester United, with the club stating: "Roberto has given us two excellent seasons of service".

"For me, it was out of nowhere," the former Netherlands international revealed. "Of course, we knew that recent results were not that great, but we still knew that next season everybody would be fit.

"The style was getting better every day in training as well. We knew we could do some things really nicely and improve even more.

"We will probably still do that and keep improving, but it will be without Roberto and his staff - so that is a bit disappointing."

Reflecting on De Zerbi's two years at the club, which included recording Brighton's highest ever Premier League finish and securing European football, Veltman added: "With Chris [Hughton], they went to the Premier League. With Graham [Potter], we ended up ninth. With Roberto, we ended up sixth with European football.

"I think it is the style of the club as well - don't go crazy, but keep improving every season. That is the aim for next season as well.

"But, again, Roberto just brought us a sort of special thing in how we played. That went worldwide, I would say, so that was nice."

Listen to the full Veltman interview on BBC Sounds

Ipswich have offered manager Kieran McKenna a bumper new contract in the hope of keeping him amid interest from Brighton, Manchester United and Chelsea. (Sun, external)

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

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Brighton have announced they will travel to Japan for two friendlies over the summer.

The Seagulls will visit Tokyo and play Kashima Antlers in the National Stadium on Wednesday, 24 July , before facing Tokyo Verdy four days later on Sunday, 28 July.

Speaking to the club's official website, external, Brighton's chief executive Paul Barber said: "We are delighted our men's first team are going to be in Japan for this inaugural visit and one which will be another historic moment for the club.

"We will be in the final part of our pre-season preparations, ahead of the new Premier League season, and are certain this tour will capture the imagination of our supporters.

"It has been amazing to see how interest in our club has grown in Japan and we now have a huge fan base there, and we are very excited in anticipation of our first-ever visit there."

The club's profile in Japan has grown in recent years since the signing of midfielder Kaoru Mitoma.

Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport Football News Reporter

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Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna is likely to reject any new deal amid interest from Chelsea and Brighton.

The 38-year-old is also believed to be under consideration by Manchester United if they decide to make a change with Erik ten Hag's future in doubt.

McKenna – who is contracted to Ipswich until 2027 - is ambitious and is understood to be keen to take the next step in his career.

Talks with Ipswich are likely to take place this week and the Tractor Boys are expected to offer McKenna a new deal to convince him to stay at Portman Road.

BBC Sport understands that is expected to fail with the manager, and assistant Martyn Pert, feeling the time is right to move.

Chelsea are believed to be in pole position, despite Brighton's interest, with United's situation adding to the complexities as they are yet to confirm what will happen with Ten Hag.

Any club will need to pay at least £4m compensation to take McKenna and Pert.

We asked you to select your Brighton player of the season from the four candidates chosen by our fan contributor.

After voting in your thousands, we can reveal the winner is... Pascal Gross!

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And here's what Stuart Matthews from Proud Seagulls, external had to say about your winner...

"A reliable favourite. Every season he has been a key part of the team, taking on the role of captain at times. He is and has been playing with determination, passion and vigour. An all-rounder and a great asset to the younger and newer players."

See the breakdown of results

And here is how the votes went for the other 19 Premier League clubs

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Roberto de Zerbi's departure was not how many Brighton fans expected their Premier League season to end, especially after earning a respectable 11th-place finish.

Scott McCarthy, from We Are Brighton, external, has given his verdict on the 2023-24 campaign.

Season rating: 8/10. Most Albion fans knew that domestic performances were likely to drop off with the additional workload of European football. I would have bitten an arm off back in August if offered an 11th-place finish and wins over Ajax, Marseille, AEK Athens and Roma.

Happy with your manager? Roberto de Zerbi did a good job overall, especially with the injury list he had to contend with and selling the spine of the team in Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo in the same transfer window. Yes, the second half of the campaign was a disappointment in terms of results and performances, and he did seem to lack a plan B, but he is the greatest manager Brighton have ever had. He connected with supporters in a way no head coach has in my 30-odd years of watching the Albion, other than maybe Gus Poyet. Good luck to the next manager. De Zerbi's are huge boots to fill.

Unsung hero: Jan Paul van Hecke has been a revelation this season. It is no mean feat to look comfortably the best centre-back at Brighton when Lewis Dunk is around, but the Dutchman has managed it. How he is not in the Netherlands squad for Euro 2024 or being linked with a big-money move is beyond me - although if Todd Boehly reads this, Chelsea will probably now fire in a £375m bid!

Player you would most like to sign: Wilfried Zaha just for the total meltdown it would cause among both Brighton and Crystal Palace supporters. More realistic is Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who the Albion were linked with in January. Leicester City probably need to sell because of Profit and Sustainability Rules and Brighton need midfield reinforcements. Plus, we have never had a player whose name sounds like a wedding venue before! Wins all round!

Best away fans: Aston Villa were very loud, which was particularly impressive given they were the only team who lost at the Amex in the final two months of the season. Special shoutout to the Palace supporters who stayed until the bitter end of their 4-1 humiliation back in February. All 17 of them out of 3,000!

See how our other fan writers rated their club's season here

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The Albion Unlimited podcast guests have been discussing Brighton centre-back Lewis Dunk's inclusion in England's provisional 33-man squad for Euro 2024.

The 32-year-old will be looking to add to his five international caps during the forthcoming friendlies against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iceland, before this summer's tournament in Germany.

"It is great news. It is a 33-man squad, so it has still got to be whittled down to the 26-man squad," BBC Radio Sussex's Johnny Cantor explained.

"There is still a little bit of doubt over his injury, because he missed the last game of the season after coming off against Chelsea. Roberto de Zerbi did say it was a knee injury, but he did say it wasn't serious before the Manchester United game.

"I guess only time will tell, but fingers crossed it's nothing serious and he will be fit enough to be in the provisional squad and for those friendlies."

Former Brighton striker Warren Aspinall added: "It is tremendous news for himself, the club and his family. The dream is to play for your national side. He is now one step away from the 26-man squad.

"Southgate has named four non-capped players - two from Liverpool and two from Crystal Palace - and one of the goalkeepers has to go. So that will whittle it down to five players maybe. Then he is only looking for two more to not go.

"So he is in with a shout, isn't he? I just hope his injury isn't too bad and he gets on the plane and goes [to the Euros].

"[Joe] Gomez - does he go? [Marc] Guehi has been injured for a long time. Luke Shaw hasn't played for a long time. So you would like to think Dunk will be on that plane."

Listen to the full podcast on BBC Sounds

Former Brighton striker Jake Robinson has been discussing the Seagulls' "brilliant" youth academy structure and the current players that are "coming through the set-up" on BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast.

The 37-year-old, who now plays for Worthing, said: "It is great to see and it has been part of their [Brighton's] success."

The latest Albion Unlimited also includes exclusive interviews with defender Joel Veltman on life after Roberto de Zerbi and chief executive Paul Barber on the search for the Seagulls' next manager.

Listen now on BBC Sounds

New York Times journalist Rory Smith gives his thoughts on reports Brighton are interested in replacing Roberto de Zerbi with Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna:

"If Kieran McKenna goes to Brighton, isn't that the most depressing thing? He absolutely should be top of the list, but surely he wants to do a season in the Premier League with Ipswich? Surely?

"Logically, if McKenna comes up with Ipswich and they go straight back down then it will do no damage to his reputation and it will improve him as a coach."

Former striker Chris Sutton, who won the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers in 1995, added:

"I'd go to Brighton. We've seen the three promoted teams this season go straight back down. It's logical for him to move based on playing personnel."

Would a move to the Seagulls be the best move for McKenna? Have your say here, external

Watch the full episode of Monday Night Club on BBC iPlayer or listen to the podcast on BBC Sounds

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BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty is answering all of your footballing questions.

Chris asked: Where do you think Kieran McKenna is best off being next season? As an Ipswich Town fan who already has reservations about being back in the Premier League, I would be completely hacked off if our manager is poached before a ball is kicked.

Phil answered: I can fully understand your emotions around this after what McKenna has achieved at Portman Road.

The problem would be that a club like Brighton seems such a perfect fit for him, although links with Chelsea and Manchester United would be a step too far for him at this stage, in my opinion.

I actually hope he is still Ipswich manager at the start of the next Premier League season, but there is no escaping the lure of a more established top-flight club, and one that will give him time to build would be a big one.

It is a very big decision for him and Ipswich, should Brighton make a move, and maybe he will feel loyalty to the club that gave him his big chance in management – but I can see why you are concerned.

Read more of the McNulty Q&A here

Liam Rosenior, 39, who was sacked by Hull City at the end of the 2023-24 Championship season, has emerged as a contender to succeed Roberto de Zerbi at Brighton. (Sun), external

Want more news? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

After defeat in their final match of the season against Manchester United on Sunday, we asked for your thoughts on who should replace Roberto de Zerbi in the Brighton dugout.

Here are some of your responses:

Dave: Jose Mourinho! A one-year contract to prove his worth and take it from there. Could be great for the club and for his future. He could become a long-term appointment and one that favours both parties.

Sam: Ruben Amorim is the man, but let’s face it, in all likelihood nobody will have heard of who it will be. Thanks for last season, De Zerbi, but the wheels have come off since the speculation about your future. Full trust in Bloom and Barber. Rest up, lads. We go again!

Leo: De Zerbi's leaving because Brighton are not in Europe. They had an excellent season. They will qualify for Europe again. Next manager? Graham Potter would be a huge appointment. He deserves another go - unfinished business. Klopp, maybe? Allegri is also available...

Trevor: Brighton are a quality progressive football club and require a talented manager. Perhaps Phil Parkinson of Wrexham.

Neil: How about netting Big Ange from Spurs? He was wanted by Brighton and Hove Albion before RDZ was announced. And Big Ange doesn't sound too happy at Spurs so maybe the Seagulls will swoop for him.

Tony: A shame that De Zerbi's time is ending now. Could have had a positive next season under him, with a bit more support from above. Next manager/coach - Graham Potter, David Moyes, Brendan Rodgers, Steven Gerrard, Patrick Vieira or Javi Gracia.

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Between March and December 2023, Brighton scored in a club record 32 consecutive league games.

However, in the 22 games following that run the Seagulls failed to score on 10 occasions.