Brighton & Hove Albion

In the final part of our Q&A with BBC Radio Sussex's Johnny Cantor, we talk about the form of Carlos Baleba and Kaoru Mitoma.

Alex asked: Do you think Baleba and Mitoma's drop-off in form is due to the loss of support from Pervis Estupinan sweeping forward to help, or an unbalanced/random midfield, with Yasin Ayari getting more game time?

Johnny answered: I think the issues are probably different for the two players.

Estupinan was certainly one of the most energetic Albion players of recent years and that cannot be underestimated. He had also played regularly behind Mitoma so the pair had struck up a really good partnership. It may take a little time for Maxim de Cuyper and midfielders to do the same.

Mitoma has not been quite at the levels of last season, but that may be down to injury niggles, and also opposition double up on him much more now.

Carlos Baleba seems unsettled but was inconsistent last season too. Some may suggest that he has been affected by reports linking him to a move to Manchester United, but that is over for the time being, so they need him to refocus and deliver.

I think there is a danger of people comparing him to Moises Caicedo. My feeling is he actually may be better playing further forward. Ayari will play regularly, but I don't see that as connected to the above.

Check over the Brighton page from Thursday to find more from Johnny's Q&A

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In the second part of our Q&A with BBC Radio Sussex's Johnny Cantor, we have been discussing how Danny Welbeck should be used and who will be the side's top scorer.

Clive asked: Can you explain why Fabian Hurzeler doesn't like to play Welbeck as a super-sub? He plays so much better over the final 45 minutes.

Johnny answered: So far in the Premier League, Welbeck has started four matches and been a substitute in three games. It is always difficult to assess without seeing him train week-in and week-out, but I think the lack of other number nines is why he starts more games than maybe some expect.

I also think the opposition will be taken into consideration and whether that particular team suits a certain set-up. Hurzeler does talk about "finishers" like in rugby, but at the moment Welbeck is a key option from the start as well as the bench.

If Stefanos Tzimas develops, we may see Welbeck off the bench more as the season progresses.

Ed asked: Who do you think will be Brighton's top Premier League goalscorer this season and how many goals will they get? I would say either Diego Gomez or Brajan Gruda, what do you think?

Johnny answered: Well, Ed, as it stands at the moment, it could be anyone!

Only Danny Welbeck has two goals and they came as a substitute in the same game. The rest have one. I think with better decision-making in front of goal, Yankuba Minteh has a chance of delivering double figures.

One good thing is the team already has eight different goalscorers, so it is not reliant on just one player. Last season they had 18 and I expect the number this term to rise. Maybe Stefanos Tzimas could break into the team and get on a run.

However, I did once tip Chris O'Grady to be top scorer and that certainly did not come to fruition!

Return to the Brighton page later on Thursday for the final part of Johnny's Q&A where we he will be talking about Carlos Baleba's and Kaoru Mitoma's form

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Brighton have confirmed that goalkeeper Jason Steele has extended his contract at the club until 2028.

The 35 year-old, who has made 60 appearances for the Seagulls, said: "The progress the club has made since I came to Brighton is incredible and hopefully I can complete 10 years with the club, which would be a fantastic achievement personally.

"I'm looking forward to playing my part in Brighton's future. Our ambition this season is to qualify for Europe again."

Head coach Fabian Hurzeler added: "I'm delighted Jason is going to be with us for the next few years. He is a big influence in the dressing room and he maintains high standards on and off the pitch every day. I am pleased he will be on the journey with us in the coming seasons."

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In the first part of our Q&A with BBC Radio Sussex's Johnny Cantor, we have been focussing on Brighton's transfer strategy and the future of Eiran Cashin.

Eddie asked: What do you think about the club bringing in players that are not ready for the Premier League, surely a mix would be better?

Johnny: I think the club has brought in players at a variety of levels. Maxim de Cuyper has moved seamlessly into the Premier League, and previously Yankuba Minteh.

Not many people had heard of Bart Verbruggen when he arrived but he has developed into one of the world's best. Yes, there are several more developmental signings, but this is in line with the club's strategy over the past few years.

There is better value in younger talent and, too a certain extent, less risk compared to a reliance on more established, but more expensive additions. Having players like James Milner and even Olivier Boscagli as options gives a bit of experienced cover if required.

Raymond asked: What has happened to Eiran Cashin? We paid a big fee for him, he disappeared to Birmingham City and now nobody seems to want to mention him.

Johnny: The signing of Cashin always seemed a little odd to me but the player had been linked to the Albion for a long time before finally arriving, so they clearly rated him.

A back-up left-sided centre back was probably required but I'm not sure he was going to be able to cope with the pace of the Premier League. He clearly has talent and, although he is in and out at the moment, he may be a regular starter at Birmingham and could work well in the Championship.

I guess we should be careful to not assume too much as I heard the same thing when Dan Burn went out on loan straight after signing and look at him now, he is playing for England!

Come back to the Brighton page later on Thursday where Johnny will be answering questions Welbeck and who could be the club's top scorer this season.

In case you missed it, Brighton's owner Tony Bloom, has given a rare, wide-ranging interview discussing the club's journey, the challenges ahead, and his vision for the Seagulls' future.

From the continued growth of the club to navigating the demands of the Premier League, Bloom offers candid insight into what lies ahead for Brighton both on and off the pitch.

Catch the full conversation on the latest episode of the Albion Unlimited podcast, along with Johnny Cantor and read much of his comments below on the posts below.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Listen to every Brighton game live on BBC Radio Sussex, with all the build-up and full commentary with Johnny Cantor and Warren Aspinall, and there is a full preview of all Seagulls' matches on Fridays at 18:00 in The Weekend Warm-up

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Brighton chairman and owner Tony Bloom sat down for an exclusive interview with BBC Radio Sussex's Johnny Cantor. In this final part, he talks about Albion's finances hat included discussions around the squad, finances and the Seagulls' future.

Bloom on competing financially in the Premier League: "The finances are really tough, clubs are spending more and more money.

"The net spend of our competitors just keeps going up. If you look at our net spend at Brighton &Hove Albion over the past five years compared to our rivals, we are spending a lot, lot less. Most clubs lose significant sums of money. We want to be a sustainable football club.

"We will have seasons where we lose a lot of money, as well as some seasons where we make a lot of money. But over a consistent time, if we stay in the Premier League, we will be sustainable and we will be profitable. But most of our rivals are not, so it is really tough to compete with that.

"For the very biggest clubs, their commercial and stadium revenues are so much bigger than ours. So we have significant obstacles to overcome, but we as a club and I as an individual, are happy to take on the competition."

On confidence of winning a trophy and getting back into Europe this season: "I don't think you can ever be confident of winning a trophy. We have not won a major trophy ever, so we don't want to get obsessed with it. We know how difficult it is.

"The latter stages of any cup competition are playing some of the best teams in the world, but we absolutely are aiming every season to be competitive, to be aiming to win cup competitions - and that is the men's and the women's teams.

"What is a bit more in our control is the league, the league form, the league position and, as I said before, our aim is to be playing in Europe. We loved playing in Europe a couple of seasons ago and we want to be regularly pushing for those European spots."

Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds

Find more from the interview by checking back over the Brighton page

Image source, _antonpalmer and @bailey_palmer7 on Instagram

Brighton have snapped up 16-year-old twins Anton Palmer and Bailey Palmer from Middlesbrough's academy, after fending off multiple other Premier League clubs to sign the young talents.

Writing on Instagram, external, the pair confirmed their decision to leave Riverside Stadium, after coming through the club's academy: "After eight years at Middlesbrough FC, we have made the decision to leave the club.

"We thank everyone involved in developing us into the players we are today. From the medical staff to the coaches, this club will forever be a part of us.

"We have made memories and friendships for life but it is now time for us to start a new journey."

The Palmer twins, both midfielders, are yet to make their senior debuts but did spend time around Middlesbrough's first team, and have featured on the bench.

Both will be eligible to sign their first professional deals when they turn 17 years old in November.

Image source, Getty Images

Brighton chairman and owner Tony Bloom sat down for an exclusive interview with BBC Radio Sussex's Johnny Cantor. In this third part, he looks on how Albion are conducting business amid the Premier League's financial restrictions.

On possible changes to profit and sustainability rules: "I think there is a vote coming up in the next few weeks to change that system.

"If it does get voted through, there would be a year having both systems and then it will be fully with the squad-cost ratio if it gets voted in. Which will be a lot more similar, but with differences, to the Uefa system.

"We are in the process of going through that. We don't have a view yet on which way we will be voting. There is also the top-to-bottom anchor and sustainability vote, so there is a lot for us to go through, but we will know a lot more and the votes will happen in the next month or so."

On the importance of the financial regulations: "It is really important, and there has to be some kind of financial sustainability.

"PSR has worked to an extent - it is far from perfect, but it has stopped clubs being able to spend whatever they want. No system is perfect. The advantage of the squad-cost ratio, is it is more real-time. It is looking over a season rather than looking backwards over a three-year period. But there are pros and cons to both."

On the biggest challenges the club face: "There are always obstacles - there is always difficulties. It is very difficult, first of all, for a club of our size to consistently punch above our weight and just to stay in the Premier League.

"You just need one season where things don't quite go right [and you are in trouble]. Three teams is a lot of teams to get relegated each season. When you look at it and think at least six of the teams really should not be anywhere close to ever being relegated - it doesn't mean they can't get relegated - it is not easy.

"We have to always be on top of our game, always be focused and not take anything for granted."

Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds

Find more from the interview by checking back over the Brighton page and come back later on Wednesday for our final instalment

Brighton have no plans to cash in on Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba in January despite the 21-year-old attracting interest from Manchester United last summer. (Talksport), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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Even though it is the international break, there is still plenty to talk about at Brighton.

Do you have a burning question on a player's contract or form? Fabian Hurzeler's tactics? Or perhaps it is on expectations for this season?

BBC Radio Sussex Brighton reporter Johnny Cantor is here to help and he will be answering a selection of your questions later this week.

Get in touch with your question here

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Brighton chairman and owner Tony Bloom sat down for an exclusive interview with BBC Radio Sussex's Johnny Cantor. In this part, he discusses the long-term strategy for Albion.

On if it is becoming more difficult to compete with top clubs: "Everything about the Premier League every year becomes more difficult.

"Hence we have to always look to improve and innovate because if you stand still, and it is talked about a lot in many businesses, but particularly in the Premier League, our competitors are fiercely competitive. They are looking to overtake one another and get stronger all the time.

"We have to do likewise and ideally we are going ahead even faster than the other teams."

On others catching up with Brighton's analytics: "I don't know exactly what other clubs are doing. They don't necessarily talk about it, but you can assume they are spending a lot of money to try and improve in all areas - particularly the areas of analytics for their recruitment processes.

"We have to innovate and we just aim to get better every season, which we are."

On their 2030 vision: "This is going back 12-18 months ago because you need to energise the football club on a regular basis.

"It is about having a lot of goals and breaking them down in different areas. Over many months, Paul [Barber] and the management team are talking to all of our staff about how we can improve in their particular areas.

"On the football side, we have had our long-term vision for quite a while, in terms of our aim to be regularly competing for the top 10 in the Premier League and the top four in the Women's Super League. That stays. We have made the goal on the men's side to be pushing for Europe every season as well.

"We also talk about the fact that we are really pushing every season to bring a trophy to the football club. That would mean so much to our fans, to the club and to the city.

"It is just looking at each individual area to get to a level of improvement, and it is a gradual improvement because we are doing lots of things very, very well. But we must never stand still.

"An example is that we have brought in a chief technology officer for the first time and he has been a huge breath of fresh air, with lots of innovative ideas which can create efficiencies in many different departments."

Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds

Find more from the interview on the Brighton page throughout Tuesday and Wednesday

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Brighton chairman and owner Tony Bloom sat down for an exclusive interview with BBC Radio Sussex's Johnny Cantor that included discussions around the squad, finances and the Seagulls' future.

Bloom on being a fan and the club's ninth season in the Premier League: "That excitement, that passion for the Albion hasn't dimmed at all. It's only grown and got bigger over the years.

"There's always big excitement for every game.

"I absolutely can't take it for granted [being in the top flight] but we have got to work really hard. Always number one is to make sure we have got the squad and to make sure we stay up each season.

"Things can go wrong during a season - it can go wrong very quickly - so we absolutely don't take anything for granted. We are always looking upwards, we are always looking to improve, but absolutely we want to be in the Premier League season after season if we possibly can."

On the summer transfer window: "The positive thing is we did a lot of business early. We always try to do [that] but normally it's not possible, .

"Every head coach wants that, so that was positive. We did get, early in pre-season, a few niggling injuries. A couple of players were injured and a couple of the boys were injured at the back end of last season so that was difficult.

"But we have just got a really good blend of young players in the squad who are going to be improving month on month, year on year, with some really good, solid pros and experience at the club too.

"I like the balance and I think that's really important."

On young signings: "Patience is required, absolutely. Every young player develops at a different rate and Fabian [Hurzeler] will know when to bring those players in [to the team].

"Obviously, it depends on the player's development, but even though we spend - sometimes significant sums for us - on young players, there is no pressure for them to be playing immediately. Absolutely not.

"The depth of the squad is superb and so that takes the pressure off. With some clubs, they buy a young player for a lot of money and the expectation and pressure is for them to get in the starting line-up quickly.

"As far as I'm concerned, at this football club, they will get into the first team when they are ready - when Fabian deems them to be ready and when the situation merits it."

Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds

Find more from the interview on the Brighton page through Tuesday and Wednesday

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We asked for your views on if Jan Paul van Hecke should become captain, or if Brighton should cash in while his stock is high.

Here are some of your comments:

Steve: Give him the captaincy. Lewis Dunk is slowing down and Van Hecke is a natural replacement. We can't keep cashing in on players we take from obscurity and turn into superstars. The fans want to see some return in the form of trophies.

Kevin: Definitely keep him! He's clearly a future world-class defender. I would love to see him commit to stay and take over from our Brighton legend Dunk.

Luke: We should absolutely tie him down to a contract and make him Dunk's successor as captain. But realistically we are a selling club and he will likely be off next season to a club with European football every season.

Gezz: What I think does not matter, the policy is to cash in. Problem is that we have reached a glass ceiling with this policy.

V: Van Hecke is 100% a player we should be doing everything to keep hold of. He has become an everpresent rock at the back and definitely is superior to Dunk. Would be devastating if he was to leave!

Joe Sayers
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Jan Paul van Hecke is likely one of the most improved Albion players of the past four seasons. His rise has been incredible to watch, but of course, it comes with some uncertainty over his future as his contract nears expiry.

His introduction to the fans was certainly a memorable one, keeping Erling Haaland in his pocket during a 1-1 draw at Amex Stadium back in 2023. Since then, his rise has only continued.

He has become the best partner for Lewis Dunk and I think most would say has eclipsed our captain in terms of consistency and dominance.

Worries early on with Van Hecke were around his disciplinary record, though he seems to have matured well beyond his years.

He is also the first player in around three of four seasons to not leave the football club after winning the fan's player of the season award, a trend Albion fans were extremely happy to see the back of.

But the worry does not end there. There have been rumours that we could well be saying goodbye to our Dutch powerhouse soon even though in my opinion, he could be the ready-made captain should Lewis Dunk retire in the near future.

His fiery attitude on the pitch, along with the pure passion that flows out of him with every goal or important defensive action, makes him the perfect option to take over from our current ever-present leader.

That should be our selling point to him. Commit your future to us, become a Premier League captain.

Find more from Joe Sayers at Albion Obsessed, external

What do you think? Van Hecke as captain or cash in while his stock is high?

Let us know

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Former Brighton forward Warren Aspinall was critical of the Seagulls' performance in drawing 1-1 at Wolves on Sunday. The result left them 12th in the Premier League after seven games.

Speaking on BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast, Aspinall didn't hold back, saying Brighton failed to show the intensity and attitude required against a struggling Wolves side.

"I'm disappointed. We played a team that conceded 14 goals and scored four," Aspinall said. "They've played six, won none, lost five and drawn one. You have got to go to a team like that and win, and convincingly.

"To do that, you have to start with high-tempo football, urgency.

"We played against Chelsea and finished on a high and then turned up against Wolves, thinking just going to win by turning up. It doesn't work like that.

"You have to be at it from the start in every game and that's why the top clubs are up there, because they have good players with a good attitude."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Listen to every Brighton game live on BBC Radio Sussex, with all the build-up and full commentary with Johnny Cantor and Warren Aspinall, and there is a full preview of all Seagulls' matches on Fridays at 18:00 in The Weekend Warm-up

Join Johnny Cantor, Warren Aspinall and Guy Butters as they react to Brighton's 1-1 draw with Wolves - a result that leaves the Seagulls 12th in the Premier League after seven games.

The trio break down the performance, debating standout displays, missed chances and where improvements are still needed before a busy run of fixtures after the international break.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Listen to every Brighton game live on BBC Radio Sussex, with all the build-up and full commentary with Johnny Cantor and Warren Aspinall, and there is a full preview of all Seagulls' matches on Fridays at 18:00 in The Weekend Warm-up

Scott McCarthy
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Sir Alex Ferguson famously said "attack wins you games, defence wins you titles".

Now nobody is saying Brighton are going to win a Premier League title anytime soon. European qualification seems a million miles away at the moment.

But the Albion do have a defensive problem. It is something which seems to have gone a under the radar compared to pondering about identity under Fabian Hurzeler and an inability to beat any opponent in the bottom half of the Premier League.

In their past 28 Premier League games going back to the end of December, Brighton have recorded four clean sheets.

Two came against relegated duo Southampton and Ipswich, with one at Molineux last season when Wolves were already on the beach.

That means the only truly impressive shutout of the past nine months came when Chelsea were thrashed 3-0 at the Amex in February.

Regular Brighton watchers will not be surprised by this. The Albion have given away so many poor goals that it makes recording clean sheets virtually impossible.

Take the weekend draw at Wolves. A terrible attempt at clearing a free kick allows Marshall Munetsi to volley against the bar. The ball crashes into Bart Verbruggen and rebounds in for a ridiculous yet also comical own goal.

You might think this lack of shutouts would lead Hurzeler to try something different. Brighton signed two new centre backs in the summer, yet Diego Coppola and Olivier Boscagli are still awaiting their full Premier League debuts.

Hurzeler has swapped his full backs around but continues to religiously stick with Jan Paul van Hecke and Lewis Dunk.

Where it gets interesting is that all four of those most recent clean sheets came with Van Hecke partnered by Adam Webster.

Dunk has been in the Albion starting XI for just two clean sheets in a calendar year – the 0-0 draw with Brentford in December and a 1-0 win at Newcastle last October.

Hurzeler needs to solve the question of why Brighton cannot prevent opponents from scoring. Is taking his captain out of the firing line the answer?

Find more from Scott McCarthy at We Are Brighton, external

We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Wolves and Brighton.

Here are some of your comments:

Wolves fans

Mel: Second week running the coaching staff have lost us points. This week against Brighton, Wolves went defensive with 35 minutes to go. The coaching staff lack confidence in their players, so the players lack confidence in themselves.

Doug: This is the first season where I am seriously concerned about our ability to survive relegation. Lack of urgency and attacking intent throughout, especially for the equaliser. No cohesion understandably with half a new team but surely passing the ball is a good idea instead of running into dead ends constantly. Make Jorgen Strand Larsen the captain as he shows the fight lacking in the rest of the team.

Mark: Much better performance. Two hard-fought draws against very good teams - hopefully onwards and upwards.

AJC: Wolves used to have an identity. I don't recognise the team anymore. We're just another Premier League team full of international players making good money without any connection to the club. We will go down. We must be the most defensive-minded, boring team in the league by a mile. Who goes to a back five with 30 minutes to go, sacrificing a striker in the process? Vitor Pereira has said how much working in the Premier LeagueL means to him. If he's not careful, he will blow his chance. The club is on a very slippery slope.

Brighton fans

Sarah: Predictably frustrating. Having beaten Manchester City and thrashed Chelsea, we just can't seem to beat the teams we should beat. Danny Welbeck plays better when he comes on later; he did so well last week; that was a very unfortunate header that gave Wolves their lead. I'd also give Jason Steele a chance now as he has played brilliantly in the cup games. We missed Joel Veltman, but Maxim De Cuyper seems promising. Overall, a scrappy draw; in the end, we were lucky to get that!

Phil: Wolves put in a very disciplined performance while Brighton had no discipline. The usual lack of ball control, and hence ball possession - except in the first 20 minutes, when Brighton had plenty of opportunities, but failed to create actual chances. The coaching team must take responsibility, not the players.

Lyn: Been feeling for a long time that the points we manage to steal are based on individual talent. Hard to get behind Fabian Hurzeler when I can't see how we plan to attack the opposition or how to manage pressure. I wish he would play the players in their natural positions and start with two actual full-backs. Lewis Dunk needs to be dropped and I would be giving our Greek strikers as many minutes as possible as Georginio Rutter has started the season poorly and we can't rely on Welbeck.

Joe: Lots of huff and puff with precious little to show for it. Aside from versus 10 men or League One opposition this seems to be the Brighton of here and now. The once edge-of-the-seat pizazz from a couple of seasons ago well and truly a thing of the past.

Pundits Joe Hart and Danny Murphy join host Kelly Cates to bring you the action and talking points from Sunday's five Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Aston Villa 2-1 Burnley

• Everton 2-1 Crystal Palace

• Newcastle 2-0 Nottingham Forest

• Wolves 1-1 Brighton

• Brentford 0-1 Man City

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Brighton's impressive run at Molineux continues, but the Seagulls were far from their best.

It is now just one defeat in their last 12 league outings at Wolves, although they needed a late equaliser to back up last week's 3-1 win at Chelsea.

Boss Fabian Hurzeler spoke before the game about hoping to see the right mindset from his players and wanting them to take responsibility for performances.

It was not a classic display - given the Seagulls had scored 12 goals in their previous four league games at this ground - but Hurzeler would have been satisfied with the mental strength his side showed having gone a goal down.

Brighton's current playing style is perhaps not as defined as their high-tempo philosophy under predecessor Roberto de Zerbi, who built a side able to play out from the back.

Hurzeler wants control and intensity - both in and out of possession - and did not quite get that at Molineux, but the Seagulls still managed to leave with a point.

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "We deserved more but it's football.

"We have to accept it and do better next time. I saw a team that had the belief and quality, the belief we can always score goals.

"The longer the game went on the harder it becomes to score.We always created dangers in their box, we didn't have plenty of chances but were always there. Overall there are lots of positives to take.

"We were very good in the first half, dominated, good in possession and out of possession. After conceding we lost our rhythm and structure.

"We wanted to react quickly but it got a bit wild. Second half we were dominant and created danger."

Did you know?

• Brighton have won 30 points from losing positions under Fabian Hurzeler in the Premier League - more than any other team since the start of last season. They have only lost two of their last seven league games in which they have conceded the opening goal (W4 D1).

• Since the start of the 2022-23 season, Brighton have scored more own goals in league action than any other team in Europe's big-five leagues (12). Those 12 own goals have been scored by 10 different players, with goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen becoming the 10th today.

Hear more from Hurzeler and hear from Jan Paul van Hecke on BBC Sounds

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Wolves' performance

What did you make of Brighton's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies