NafisaFive Brighton Stars Set to Anchor Fabian Hurzeler’s Squad Post-Summer Transfer Window
With the summer transfer window in full swing, Brighton & Hove Albion are bracing for significant changes before their Premier League opener against Fulham on August 16 at the Amex Stadium. The Seagulls have already secured attacking reinforcements with Greek strikers Stefanos Tzimas and Charalampos Kostoulas, alongside the £10m acquisition of Tommy Watson from Sunderland. Defensively, the squad has been bolstered by £10m signing Diego Coppola from Hellas Verona and Olivier Boscagli, who joined on a free transfer from PSV Eindhoven. Speculation also swirls around a potential £20m move for Flamengo’s 21-year-old right-back Wesley França, while Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott is reportedly on Brighton’s radar.
However, departures could shape the squad just as much as new arrivals. Players like Igor Julio, Pervis Estupinan, Julio Enciso, and Joao Pedro are rumored to be on the move, with Napoli tabling a £25m bid for midfielder Matt O’Riley. Fans are particularly anxious about the future of Japanese star Kaoru Mitoma, hoping he remains a Seagull. Amid this transfer frenzy, head coach Fabian Hurzeler can rely on a core group of players to form the backbone of his team for the upcoming season. Here are the five players guaranteed a spot in his starting lineup:
**Bart Verbruggen**
The 22-year-old Dutch goalkeeper cemented his place as Hurzeler’s first-choice shot-stopper last season. Despite interest from Bayern Munich and Manchester United, Verbruggen is expected to guard the net against Fulham. Jason Steele provides experienced backup, with Tom McGill as the third option. Carl Rushworth may depart, and England U21 keeper James Beadle is set for a loan spell at Birmingham, while Kjell Scherpen has expressed his desire for a transfer.
**Jan Paul van Hecke**
The Dutch centre-back was Brighton’s standout defender last season, earning the club’s Player of the Year award. A linchpin in Hurzeler’s backline, van Hecke is expected to stay despite interest from Newcastle. Captain Lewis Dunk and Adam Webster aim to overcome past fitness issues, but with Igor Julio potentially leaving and new signings Coppola and Boscagli joining, van Hecke remains the defensive cornerstone.
**Carlos Baleba**
The Cameroonian midfielder has flown under the radar this transfer window, which is a boon for Brighton. Baleba’s powerful, dynamic presence in central midfield was a highlight last season, and his physicality aligns perfectly with Hurzeler’s vision. Competing with Jack Hinshelwood, James Milner, Mats Wieffer, Diego Gomez, and potentially Matt O’Riley (if he stays), Baleba is poised to be a mainstay in the engine room.
**Georginio**
The £40m signing from Leeds United shone as a No. 10 last season, despite an ankle injury cutting his campaign short. The Frenchman’s flair, goal-scoring ability, and link-up play with forwards make him indispensable, especially if Joao Pedro or Kaoru Mitoma depart. A fan favorite, Georginio is expected to elevate his contributions in his second Premier League season.
**Danny Welbeck**
At 34, the veteran striker remains a vital cog in Hurzeler’s system. Welbeck’s goal-scoring, play-linking, and tireless pressing make him a guaranteed starter when fit. While new Greek signings Tzimas and Kostoulas may need time to adapt to the Premier League’s intensity, Welbeck’s experience and work rate ensure he’ll lead the line regularly.
As Brighton navigate a busy transfer window, these five players provide Hurzeler with a solid foundation to build upon for the 2025/26 season.
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