- Brighton could lose several key first-team players
- Fabian Hurzeler needs reinforcements in attack and defence
- Squad depth will become crucial with European football returning
Brighton & Hove Albion enter the summer facing one of the most important transfer windows in recent years.
Several senior players could depart, key positions require strengthening and Fabian Hurzeler must balance immediate competitiveness with Brighton’s long-term recruitment model.
The Seagulls have consistently evolved well during periods of transition, but this summer feels particularly significant.
The key players Brighton could lose
Jan Paul van Hecke’s future could become one of the major talking points of Brighton’s window.
The Dutch defender has developed into one of the Premier League’s most impressive centre-backs and serious interest is expected. Brighton have historically sold at the peak of a player’s value and receiving upwards of £50 million may ultimately prove too difficult to reject.
Bart Verbruggen also feels increasingly likely to attract major attention.
The goalkeeper’s reputation continues to rise internationally and a strong World Cup with the Netherlands would only increase interest from Europe’s elite clubs.
Carlos Baleba is another situation Brighton may need to address carefully.
The midfielder remains hugely talented, but reports surrounding his future continue to grow. Brighton have previously shown a willingness to sell players who want new challenges rather than allowing situations to become disruptive.
READ MORE: Ten Brighton stars who could leave after Manchester United clash – Read Brighton
Emotional exits could reshape the dressing room
Facundo Buonanotte could also depart permanently after struggling to fully rebuild momentum during his loan spell away from the club. Meanwhile, Igor Julio’s future remains uncertain after spending time away from the first-team picture.
James Milner’s time at Brighton appears to be naturally approaching its conclusion. The veteran midfielder has brought enormous experience and leadership to the squad, but the club now needs to continue lowering the average age profile of the group.
Joel Veltman may also move on. The Dutch defender has been an excellent servant for Brighton and a return to Ajax would allow him to finish his career back in familiar surroundings.
Solly March’s departure already feels emotionally significant for supporters. Injuries unfortunately halted the winger’s momentum at a crucial stage of his career. At his best, March represented Brighton’s recruitment success story perfectly, developing from an inconsistent Championship winger into a Premier League and Europa League-level attacker.
Why striker recruitment is now the priority
A striker has to be a priority. Danny Welbeck continues to contribute enormously through his movement, intelligence and leadership, but Brighton need greater ruthlessness in front of goal and more consistent scoring output across a full season.
Wide areas also require reinforcements. Kaoru Mitoma’s injury absence exposed Brighton’s lack of depth on the wings, while Yankuba Minteh continues to attract transfer interest. Brighton need multiple wide players capable of operating across different attacking systems.
Defensively, significant work may be required. With Lewis Dunk entering the later stages of his career and uncertainty surrounding Van Hecke and Igor, Brighton may need multiple centre-backs before the new season begins.
Right-back is another important area. Mats Wieffer has filled in effectively at times, but Brighton still lack a natural defensive-minded right-back capable of providing greater balance and solidity.
Goalkeeper planning will also depend heavily on Verbruggen’s future. If the Dutch international leaves, Brighton would need a new number one immediately. If he stays, the club may still require additional depth depending on Carl Rushworth’s long-term role.
As always, Brighton’s recruitment team will likely target younger profiles with high developmental upside rather than established stars.
The challenge this summer is replacing potential outgoing quality while ensuring Hurzeler still has a squad capable of pushing towards the top half of the Premier League once again.
Another major rebuild may be arriving on the south coast but Brighton have built a reputation for navigating exactly these moments successfully.
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