Brighton & Hove Albion

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

Here's a look at some of the teams in action on a busy Saturday.

All times BST

Image source, Getty Images

Brighton technical director David Weir says the Seagulls wanted to keep Deniz Undav at the club, but the striker's desire to play Champions League football was a factor in his move to Stuttgart for an undisclosed fee.

The 28-year-old spent last season on loan at Stuttgart, helping them finish second in the Bundesliga.

Weir said: "Deniz wants to play Champions League football and continue his time with Stuttgart, and while we would have liked to have kept him as part of the squad, his preference was to make his move permanent.

"Once he'd made that clear, our priority was to ensure that Stuttgart met the valuation of the player.

"That's now been achieved and we would like to thank Deniz for his time at the club and wish him well for the future."

Leicester City are nearing a loan deal for 19-year-old Argentina and Brighton midfielder Facundo Buonanotte. (Mail), external

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

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

Right now, brinkmanship is the name of the game. There have been times when some clubs sorted their transfer business early in the window and everyone wondered why so few others followed their lead. Put simply, it isn't in the selling clubs' financial interest, and it usually isn't in the moving player's financial interest either, to go early.

A selling club wants a bidding war to up the price and they don't mind a bit of panic buying when the window is creaking ever nearer the sill. If you still haven't signed that star player who you think, hope or maybe even actually believe, will make all the difference, clubs can get twitchy and make rash costly decisions.

I have watched it happen from within. Good intentions and a willingness to stick to a pre-arranged budget, suddenly evaporates when clubs are bounced into making these calls. There is also a bit of pride in there too. "We aren't losing out on our first choice to that lot!" is a common refrain, especially when it's to one of your close rivals.

As for the moving player, or more specifically his agent, last-minute brinkmanship is the dream scenario. Playing two or three suitors off against each other (and you don't even have to tell the truth of what you are being offered elsewhere) means you can exaggerate as much as you like to up the ante.

So that is why the deals go to the wire, and why they are so lucrative. It is also why I never have too much sympathy for a player, when a huge deal falls through at the last moment. Greed can push it too far in the end and it can all come crashing down, which is why they call it brinkmanship! If you dance on the edge of a volcano you might just fall in.

Image source, Getty Images

A quarter of the managers in the Premier League will be taking charge of an English top-flight game for the first time on the opening weekend of the season.

They are Arne Slot at Liverpool, Enzo Maresca at Chelsea, Russell Martin at Southampton, Kieran McKenna at Ipswich and Fabian Hurzeler at Brighton.

So, what can you expect from the quintet?

Slot led Feyenoord to the 2022-23 Eredivisie title, and the Dutch Cup last season. Reds midfielder Harvey Elliott says his playing philosophy is a typically "elegant" Dutch style - compared to Jurgen Klopp's 'heavy metal football'.

Maresca prefers a heavy possession-based style - which is how he has started his reign at Chelsea too - and was sometimes criticised for his reluctance to make substitutions while at Leicester City.

It is possession-based football that Martin has brought to Southampton too but fans and local media have warned he will need to be smarter with style this season.

McKenna is considered one of the top managerial prospects around. His expansive brand of football saw Ipswich gain promotion with successive second-placed finishes, scoring 101 goals in League One and 92 in the Championship.

Hurzeler, who joined Brighton from German second-tier side St Pauli, is the least known name in England of the managers on this list. He is known for his passionate side line antics and his teams dominating games on the ball.

Read more on what each manager has to offer here

Image source, Getty Images

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

Image source, Getty Images

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!

Image source, Getty Images

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."

Image source, Getty Images

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.

Image source, Getty Images

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.

Image source, Getty Images

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"

Image source, Getty Images

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