“Seagulls Shake-Up: Inside Brighton’s Dramatic Overhaul Under New Head Coach Fabian Hurzeler”
Brighton and Hove Albion are embarking on a fresh chapter as they wrap up preparations for their inaugural season under new head coach Fabian Hurzeler. The former St Pauli manager took over from Roberto De Zerbi earlier this summer and has already made several changes to the squad he inherited. New players like Newcastle United winger Yankuba Minteh, Feyenoord midfielder Mats Wieffer, and Nordsjaelland prospect Ibrahim Osman have joined the team, while midfielders Pascal Gross and Adam Lallana have moved on.l
With just over three weeks left in the transfer window, it’s expected that Hurzeler will continue to bolster his squad as he aims for a strong first season with the Seagulls. To predict the remaining transfer activity, Football Manager 2024 was used to simulate potential ins and outs at the Amex Stadium.
In the goalkeeping department, it was a case of one in, one out. Bart Verbruggen left for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq in a £12m deal, lured by a lucrative £150,000-a-week wage offer. Brighton quickly signed Brazilian goalkeeper Lucas Perri from Lyon for £4m as his replacement.
In defense, Joel Veltman departed for Lille in a £2m move, and Hurzeler made a significant signing by bringing in Sporting CP’s highly-rated center-back Ousmane Diomande for £46m, beating competition from Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund, and Atletico Madrid. Full-back Javi Galan also joined from Atletico Madrid.
Hurzeler’s defensive lineup now includes Webster, Van Hecke, Igor, Dunk, Estupinan, Barco, Lamptey, Diomande, and Galan.
There were no new additions to the midfield, but Mahmoud Dahoud went on loan to Union Berlin, and Jakub Moder was sold to Lens for £6m. These departures add to the real-life exits of Pascal Gross and Adam Lallana, who joined Borussia Dortmund and Southampton, respectively.
Hurzeler’s midfield options are now Wieffer, Baleba, Gilmour, Hinshelwood, Yalcouye, and Milner.
Significant changes occurred in the forward line, with several key players sold. The biggest move saw Evan Ferguson join Chelsea for an initial £65m, potentially rising to over £80m with add-ons. Deniz Undav moved to Ajax for £13m, Jeremy Sarmiento joined Everton for £6m, and Julio Enciso was sold to Spurs for £29m. Facundo Buonanotte also left, signing with Sporting for £6m. In response, Brighton brought in Richarlison from Spurs for £21m and acquired Arsenal academy graduate Reiss Nelson for £7m.