The 2025/26 season finds Brighton & Hove Albion firmly established as one of the Premier League’s most admired and strategically innovative clubs. Under Roberto De Zerbi’s successor—following the Italian’s 2024 departure to a European giant—the Seagulls have maintained their identity of possession-based football, positional rotations, and relentless pressing. The American Express Community Stadium, nicknamed the Amex, has transformed from a modest new ground into a fortress where established powers routinely drop points. Brighton’s recruitment model, widely copied but rarely matched, continues unearthing undervalued gems from across the globe while integrating academy products seamlessly. This season’s squad reflects that philosophy: technical excellence, tactical intelligence, and enormous resale value. Below lies an exhaustive examination of Brighton’s first-team roster for 2025/26, organized by position, with each player’s journey, financial details, and stylistic fingerprints dissected in granular fashion.
Goalkeepers
1. Bart Verbruggen
Nationality: Dutch
Former Clubs: Anderlecht
Transfer Fee: £16.3 million (2023)
Bart Verbruggen has evolved from promising talent into one of the Premier League’s most complete young goalkeepers, displacing veteran Jason Steele as Brighton’s undisputed number one. The Dutchman’s distribution—left-footed passes into midfield, clipped balls to advancing full-backs—suits Brighton’s possession-heavy system perfectly. His shot-stopping (74% save percentage in 2024/25) improved dramatically through Premier League exposure; his post-shot expected goals prevented (PSxG+/-) reached +4.7, ranking seventh among league keepers. Verbruggen’s command of the penalty area, claiming crosses (87% success) and organizing set-piece defenses, matured noticeably. His reflexes in one-on-one situations, rushing off his line to narrow angles, have thwarted countless breakaways. Verbruggen’s composure under pressure—receiving back-passes with attackers closing down, rarely panicking—enables Brighton to play through high presses. Having started 36 Premier League matches in 2024/25, keeping 12 clean sheets, he has justified Brighton’s investment. His contract runs through 2029, with Brighton rejecting multiple approaches from European clubs. Verbruggen’s performance against Manchester City in 2025—making 9 saves, including a penalty stop—demonstrated his elite ceiling.
2. Jason Steele
Nationality: English
Former Clubs: Middlesbrough, Blackburn Rovers (loan), Sunderland (loan)
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2018)
Jason Steele has accepted a rotational role following Verbruggen’s ascent, providing experienced cover and tactical familiarity. The 35-year-old’s distribution, particularly his comfort receiving under pressure and passing into midfield, remains elite—his 92% pass completion exceeds Verbruggen’s. Steele’s shot-stopping (69% save percentage in limited appearances) declined with age, but his positioning compensates for reduced reflexes. His experience under multiple Brighton managers, including the post-De Zerbi transition, provides dressing room continuity. Steele started 10 matches in 2024/25 (cup competitions and injury cover), keeping 4 clean sheets. His relationship with Verbruggen, mentoring the Dutchman through tactical nuances, accelerated the younger keeper’s adaptation. Steele’s contract expires in 2026, with a goalkeeping coaching role likely thereafter. His performance in the Europa League group stage—keeping a clean sheet against Ajax—demonstrated enduring reliability.
3. Carl Rushworth
Nationality: English
Former Clubs: Walsall (loan), Lincoln City (loan), Swansea City (loan)
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Carl Rushworth has graduated from productive loan spells to third-choice goalkeeper following impressive Championship development. The 24-year-old spent 2023/24 at Swansea City (44 Championship appearances, 13 clean sheets) and 2024/25 at Watford (42 appearances, 11 clean sheets), accumulating senior experience. His shot-stopping (72% save percentage across loan spells) and reflexes suggest Premier League readiness. Rushworth’s distribution, though less polished than Verbruggen’s, improved through specialized coaching. His aerial dominance (6’3”) provides set-piece security. Rushworth’s contract runs through 2028, with Brighton facing a decision on his future—loan again, sell with a buy-back clause, or integrate as Steele’s successor. His performances for England under-21s, including a clean sheet against Spain, hinted at potential.
Defenders
1. Lewis Dunk (Captain)
Nationality: English
Former Clubs: Academy graduate
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy)
Lewis Dunk has become Brighton’s greatest modern servant, embodying the club’s journey from Championship also-rans to European competitors. The 34-year-old captain’s reading of the game—intercepting passes (2.4 per 90), cutting angles, organizing offside traps—compensates for reduced recovery pace. His passing from deep, particularly line-breaking balls into midfield and diagonals to advancing full-backs, initiates attacks efficiently (91% completion). Dunk’s aerial dominance (82% success) and set-piece goal threat (five headers in 2024/25) provide value at both ends. His partnership with Jan Paul van Hecke has conceded only 1.04 goals per 90 minutes over two seasons. Dunk’s leadership, formalized as club captain since 2019, manages Brighton’s dressing room through calm authority and professionalism. His relationship with the club—over 450 appearances, academy since age eight—provides emotional connection fans adore. Dunk’s contract runs through 2027, with a coaching role likely thereafter. His performance against Arsenal in 2025—organizing defensively, scoring a crucial equalizer—demonstrated enduring influence.
2. Jan Paul van Hecke
Nationality: Dutch
Former Clubs: NAC Breda (loan), Blackburn Rovers (loan)
Transfer Fee: £1.5 million (2020)
Jan Paul van Hecke has evolved from loan project into one of the Premier League’s most progressive center-backs, earning Netherlands caps in 2025. The Dutchman’s ball progression—carrying (3.1 progressive carries per 90) and passing (5.4 progressive passes)—enables Brighton to build play through defensive phases. His composure under pressure, receiving with attackers closing down, suits De Zerbi’s (and successors’) possession demands. Van Hecke’s defensive positioning (1.8 interceptions per 90) and aerial duel success (73%) improved through Premier League exposure. His partnership with Dunk has developed telepathic understanding; their complementary styles (Dunk’s leadership, Van Hecke’s progression) create defensive synergy. Van Hecke’s relationship with Dutch teammates (Verbruggen, Wieffer) provides comfort and on-pitch communication. His contract runs through 2029, with Brighton rejecting multiple approaches. Van Hecke’s performance against Liverpool in 2025—playing out of pressure, initiating the winning goal—demonstrated his unique profile.
3. Tariq Lamptey
Nationality: English (Ghanaian descent)
Former Clubs: Chelsea academy
Transfer Fee: £3 million (2020)
Tariq Lamptey’s injury-ruined seasons (2021-2024) finally gave way to a consistent 2024/25 campaign, re-establishing him as one of the Premier League’s most explosive full-backs. The 25-year-old’s acceleration (0-30 km/h in 2.5 seconds) and dribbling (4.2 successful take-ons per 90) terrorize defenders. His defensive recovery pace, covering spaces behind advanced wingers, prevents dangerous transitions. Lamptey’s attacking output (3 assists in 2024/25) remains below his potential due to final-third decision-making inconsistencies. His versatility across right-back and right wing-back offers Brighton tactical flexibility. Lamptey’s contract situation attracted attention; his 2025 extension through 2028 ended speculation about a free transfer. His performance against Manchester United in 2025—nullifying Marcus Rashford, assisting the winner—demonstrated his ceiling when fit.
4. Pervis Estupiñán
Nationality: Ecuadorian
Former Clubs: LDU Quito, Watford (loan), Osasuna (loan), Villarreal
Transfer Fee: £15 million (2022)
Pervis Estupiñán has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most consistent left-backs, providing attacking thrust and defensive reliability. The Ecuadorian’s overlapping runs (4.2 per 90) and whipped crosses (39% accuracy) created 8 assists in 2024/25, his best Premier League return. His defensive work rate—tracking wingers (2.3 tackles per 90), covering cutbacks, pressing opposition—improved through tactical coaching. Estupiñán’s recovery pace (35.2 km/h top speed) covers spaces behind advanced midfielders. His relationship with Ecuadorian teammates (none currently) or Spanish speakers aids comfort. Estupiñán’s contract runs through 2029, with Brighton rejecting multiple approaches. His performance against Chelsea in 2025—assisting two goals, making five tackles—demonstrated his two-way influence.
5. Igoh Ogbu
Nationality: Nigerian
Former Clubs: Lillestrøm, Slavia Prague
Transfer Fee: £18 million (2025)
Igoh Ogbu’s summer 2025 arrival from Slavia Prague added Nigerian physicality and Czech league pedigree to Brighton’s center-back options. The 25-year-old’s athletic profile—explosive acceleration (35.1 km/h), aerial dominance (78% success), strength in duels (74% success)—suits Premier League demands. His passing (87% completion) remains basic but secure; Brighton’s coaches are refining his progressive passing. Ogbu’s reading of the game (2.1 interceptions per 90) improved through Champions League exposure with Slavia (six appearances in 2024/25). His relationship with Nigerian teammates (none currently) or English-speaking dressing room eased adaptation. Ogbu’s contract runs through 2030, with Brighton viewing him as long-term Dunk successor. His debut against Tottenham—keeping Son Heung-min quiet, winning 7 duels—announced his arrival.
6. João Pedro (Defender)
Nationality: Portuguese
Former Clubs: Palmeiras (youth)
Transfer Fee: £1.5 million (2025)
João Pedro (not to be confused with the forward) arrived from Palmeiras’s youth system as a developmental prospect with considerable upside. The 21-year-old left-back’s crossing (37% accuracy in Brazilian youth football) and overlapping runs suit Brighton’s attacking patterns. His defensive positioning, particularly against inside-cutting wingers, remains raw but promising. João Pedro’s relationship with Portuguese-speaking teammates (including any signings) aids adaptation. His contract runs through 2030, with Brighton expecting loan development in 2026/27.
7. Adam Webster
Nationality: English
Former Clubs: Ipswich Town, Bristol City
Transfer Fee: £20 million (2019)
Adam Webster’s injury-hit Brighton career continued in 2024/25 (missed 14 matches), but his quality when fit provides valuable center-back depth. The 30-year-old’s passing range (5.0 progressive passes per 90) and ball-carrying (2.3 progressive carries) suit Brighton’s possession demands. His aerial duel success (74%) and tackling (2.1 per 90) provide defensive security. Webster’s versatility across center-back and defensive midfield offers emergency cover. His contract expires in 2027, with Brighton considering sale given his injury record and Ogbu’s arrival. Webster’s performance against Aston Villa in 2025—coming on at half-time, organizing defensively—demonstrated his value when available.
Midfielders
1. Mats Wieffer
Nationality: Dutch
Former Clubs: Feyenoord
Transfer Fee: £27 million (2025, following loan)
Mats Wieffer’s permanent signing in summer 2025, following a successful loan from Feyenoord, secured Brighton’s midfield anchor for the foreseeable future. The Dutchman’s positioning—shielding center-backs, covering full-backs, breaking counterattacks—provides defensive platform for attacking teammates. His passing (90% completion, 5.2 progressive passes per 90) initiates attacks efficiently, while his interceptions (2.8 per 90) lead Brighton’s midfield. Wieffer’s aerial duel success (71%) against physical midfielders adds set-piece security. His relationship with Dutch teammates (Verbruggen, van Hecke) accelerated adaptation to English football. Wieffer’s contract runs through 2030, with Brighton viewing him as long-term midfield cornerstone. His performance against Arsenal in 2025—neutralizing Martin Ødegaard, controlling tempo—demonstrated his elite ceiling.
2. Pascal Groß (Vice-Captain)
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Karlsruher, Ingolstadt
Transfer Fee: £3 million (2017)
Pascal Groß has become Brighton’s modern legend, defying age at 35 through football intelligence and relentless professionalism. The German vice-captain’s passing range—cross-field switches (3.8 per 90), disguised through balls, clipped finishes—remains elite; his 12 assists in 2024/25 led the squad. Groß’s set-piece delivery, particularly from left-sided corners and free kicks, created 6 assists directly. His versatility across central midfield, attacking midfield, and right-back offers Brighton tactical flexibility. Groß’s work rate (11.2 kilometers per match) and pressing intensity remain impressive despite age. His contract situation attracted attention; his 2025 extension through 2027 rewards his enduring quality. Groß’s performance against Manchester City in 2025—assisting two goals, completing 94% of passes—demonstrated timeless influence. His relationship with German speakers in the squad provides dressing room leadership.
3. Carlos Baleba
Nationality: Cameroonian
Former Clubs: Lille
Transfer Fee: £23 million (2023)
Carlos Baleba has evolved from raw prospect into one of the Premier League’s most destructive midfielders, combining physicality with technical progression. The Cameroonian’s ball-carrying (4.8 progressive carries per 90) through central areas bypasses opposition presses. His tackling (3.2 per 90) and interceptions (2.1 per 90) provide ball-winning security. Baleba’s passing (87% completion) improved through tactical coaching; his progressive passing (4.0 per 90) doubled from his debut campaign. His partnership with Wieffer, alternating defensive responsibilities, creates midfield balance. Baleba’s contract runs through 2029, with Brighton rejecting multiple approaches. His performance against Liverpool in 2025—dominating midfield duels, assisting the opener—demonstrated his ceiling.
4. Facundo Buonanotte
Nationality: Argentine
Former Clubs: Rosario Central
Transfer Fee: £12 million (2023)
Facundo Buonanotte has matured from teenage prospect into a creative force, providing attacking thrust from advanced midfield positions. The Argentine’s dribbling (3.6 successful take-ons per 90) and close control unlock packed defenses. His through-ball passing (2.3 per 90, 38% accuracy) and creativity (6 assists in 2024/25) make him Brighton’s secondary creative outlet behind Groß. Buonanotte’s finishing (4 goals in 2024/25) improved through coaching; his composure in final thirds developed significantly. His defensive work rate (1.8 tackles per 90) and pressing intensity (10.4 pressures per 90) exceed expectations for a creative player. Buonanotte’s relationship with Argentine teammates (none currently) or Spanish speakers aids comfort. His contract runs through 2029, with Brighton viewing him as long-term Groß successor. His performance against Brentford in 2025—scoring a stunning curled effort, assisting another—demonstrated his ceiling.
5. Malick Yalcouyé
Nationality: Ivorian
Former Clubs: IFK Göteborg
Transfer Fee: £7 million (2025)
Malick Yalcouyé’s summer 2025 arrival from IFK Göteborg added Ivorian athleticism and Swedish league pedigree to Brighton’s midfield options. The 21-year-old’s physical profile—explosive acceleration (34.8 km/h), strength in duels (69% success), recovery pace—suits Premier League demands. His ball-carrying (4.1 progressive carries per 90 in Allsvenskan) and tackling (2.6 per 90) translated well to English football. Yalcouyé’s passing (84% completion) remains raw; Brighton’s coaching staff are refining his tactical decision-making. His relationship with French-speaking teammates eased adaptation. Yalcouyé’s contract runs through 2030, with Brighton viewing him as long-term project. His performance against Wolves in the Carabao Cup—scoring his first Brighton goal, controlling midfield—demonstrated his potential.
6. Jack Hinshelwood
Nationality: English
Former Clubs: Academy graduate
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy)
Jack Hinshelwood has broken into Brighton’s first-team rotation following impressive academy development and a productive loan at Plymouth Argyle (2024/25, 38 Championship appearances). The 21-year-old’s versatility across central midfield, right-back, and defensive midfield offers Brighton tactical options. His passing (88% completion in Championship) and positional discipline (1.9 interceptions per 90) suggest readiness for Premier League minutes. Hinshelwood’s relationship with the club—academy since age nine—provides emotional connection. His contract runs through 2029, with Brighton expecting increased contributions in 2025/26. His Premier League debut against Leicester—completing 91% of passes, making 3 interceptions—demonstrated his reliability.
7. Cameron Peupion
Nationality: Australian
Former Clubs: Academy graduate, Cheltenham Town (loan)
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Cameron Peupion has graduated from loan spells to emergency midfield depth following promising development. The 23-year-old Australian spent 2023/24 at Cheltenham Town (42 League One appearances) and 2024/25 at Blackpool (38 League One appearances), accumulating senior experience. His passing (87% completion) and work rate (11.5 kilometers per match) suit Brighton’s system. Peupion’s physical limitations (5’8”, limited pace) restrict him to specific game states. His contract expires in 2026, with a permanent sale or another loan likely.
Forwards
1. Evan Ferguson
Nationality: Irish
Former Clubs: Bohemians
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate (nominal fee)
Evan Ferguson has become the Premier League’s most coveted young striker, following 18-goal and 12-goal seasons in 2023/24 and 2024/25 respectively. The Irishman’s movement off the shoulder (3.1 shots per 90, 0.52 xG per shot) and finishing (21% conversion rate) demonstrate elite goal-scoring instincts. His hold-up play (71% success receiving back to goal) improved through physical development (6’2”, now 76kg). Ferguson’s link-up with wingers, particularly laying off to advancing midfielders, created 7 assists in 2024/25. His work rate pressing center-backs (11.8 pressures per 90) sets Brighton’s defensive tone from the front. Ferguson’s composure in one-on-one situations (79% conversion) belies his age (21). His contract runs through 2030 with a £120 million release clause, protecting Brighton’s asset. Ferguson’s performance against Manchester United in 2025—scoring a brace, bullying Lisandro Martínez—demonstrated his elite ceiling. His Ireland captaincy (appointed 2025) adds leadership responsibilities.
2. João Pedro (Forward)
Nationality: Brazilian
Former Clubs: Fluminense, Watford
Transfer Fee: £30 million (2023)
João Pedro has evolved from Watford standout into one of the Premier League’s most complete attacking players, flourishing in Brighton’s system. The Brazilian’s versatility across center-forward, attacking midfield, and left wing offers Brighton tactical flexibility. His dribbling (3.4 successful take-ons per 90) and close control unlock packed defenses. João Pedro’s finishing (14 goals in 2024/25) and creativity (8 assists) provide balanced attacking output. His work rate defensively (1.9 tackles per 90) and pressing intensity (10.8 pressures per 90) exceed expectations for a forward. João Pedro’s relationship with Brazilian teammates (none currently) or Portuguese speakers aids comfort. His contract runs through 2029, with Brighton rejecting multiple approaches. His performance against Tottenham in 2025—scoring a hat-trick, all from different positions—demonstrated his unique profile.
3. Simon Adingra
Nationality: Ivorian
Former Clubs: Nordsjælland, Union SG (loan)
Transfer Fee: £7 million (2022)
Simon Adingra has become one of the Premier League’s most exciting wingers, following his breakthrough 2023/24 campaign with continued excellence in 2024/25. The Ivorian’s dribbling (4.1 successful take-ons per 90) and acceleration (0-30 km/h in 2.6 seconds) terrify full-backs. His finishing (9 goals in 2024/25) and crossing (37% accuracy, 6 assists) provide balanced output. Adingra’s defensive work rate (1.9 tackles per 90) and pressing intensity (10.5 pressures per 90) suit Brighton’s high-energy system. His relationship with Ivorian teammates (none currently) or French speakers aids comfort. Adingra’s contract runs through 2029, with Brighton rejecting January 2025 approaches from Arsenal. His performance against Liverpool in 2025—assisting two goals, terrorizing Trent Alexander-Arnold—demonstrated his ceiling.
4. Brajan Gruda
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Mainz 05
Transfer Fee: £22 million (2025)
Brajan Gruda’s summer 2025 arrival from Mainz 05 added German technical quality and Bundesliga production to Brighton’s attack. The 21-year-old’s dribbling (3.7 successful take-ons per 90 in 2024/25 Bundesliga) and creativity (6 assists) suit Brighton’s possession system. His finishing (5 goals in 28 Bundesliga appearances) remains inconsistent but promising. Gruda’s versatility across both wings and attacking midfield offers Brighton tactical options. His relationship with German speakers (Groß, Wieffer) eased adaptation. Gruda’s contract runs through 2030, with Brighton viewing him as long-term starter. His debut against Everton—assisting Ferguson’s goal, completing 4 dribbles—demonstrated immediate impact.
5. Yankuba Minteh
Nationality: Gambian
Former Clubs: Odense, Feyenoord (loan)
Transfer Fee: £25 million (2024)
Yankuba Minteh has justified Brighton’s significant investment following his Feyenoord loan (2023/24, 10 Eredivisie goals) and adaptation to English football in 2024/25. The Gambian’s direct running (4.3 successful take-ons per 90) and acceleration (0-30 km/h in 2.6 seconds) terrorize defenders. His finishing (7 goals in 2024/25) improved through coaching; his conversion rate (19%) doubled from his debut campaign. Minteh’s defensive work rate (1.7 tackles per 90) and pressing intensity (10.1 pressures per 90) suit Brighton’s system. His relationship with English-speaking teammates eased adaptation. Minteh’s contract runs through 2029, with Brighton rejecting loan approaches. His performance against Aston Villa in 2025—scoring a brace, both cutting inside from the right—demonstrated his ceiling.
6. Julio Enciso
Nationality: Paraguayan
Former Clubs: Libertad
Transfer Fee: £10 million (2022)
Julio Enciso’s injury-hit 2023/24 (only 12 appearances) gave way to a 2024/25 resurgence, re-establishing him as one of the Premier League’s most exciting young attackers. The Paraguayan’s shooting from distance (five goals from outside the box in 2024/25) and dribbling (3.4 successful take-ons per 90) provide unpredictability. His work rate defensively (1.9 tackles per 90) and pressing intensity (11.0 pressures per 90) exceed expectations. Enciso’s versatility across both wings and attacking midfield offers Brighton tactical options. His relationship with Spanish speakers aids comfort. Enciso’s contract runs through 2029, with Brighton rejecting multiple approaches. His performance against Chelsea in 2025—scoring a 25-yard screamer, assisting another—demonstrated his ceiling.
7. Ibrahim Osman
Nationality: Ghanaian
Former Clubs: Nordsjælland
Transfer Fee: £16 million (2025)
Ibrahim Osman’s summer 2025 arrival from Nordsjælland added Ghanaian pace and Danish league production to Brighton’s forward options. The 21-year-old’s acceleration (0-30 km/h in 2.5 seconds) and dribbling (4.0 successful take-ons per 90 in Danish Superliga) translate well to English football. His finishing (6 goals in 31 appearances for Nordsjælland) remains raw but promising. Osman’s versatility across both wings offers Brighton tactical options. His relationship with English-speaking teammates eased adaptation. Osman’s contract runs through 2030, with Brighton expecting loan development or gradual integration.
8. Mark O’Mahony
Nationality: Irish
Former Clubs: Academy graduate
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy)
Mark O’Mahony has emerged as a promising striking option following his Ireland under-21 exploits and impressive development in Brighton’s academy. The 20-year-old’s movement off the shoulder (2.5 shots per 90 in youth football) and finishing suggest potential. His physical development (6’1”, 72kg) continues. O’Mahony’s contract runs through 2030, with a loan likely for continued development.
Conclusion
Brighton & Hove Albion’s 2025/26 squad represents the finest collection of talent ever assembled on the south coast, a testament to the club’s revolutionary recruitment model and coaching excellence. The defense, anchored by Lewis Dunk’s enduring leadership and Jan Paul van Hecke’s progressive passing, provides platform for possession-based football. The midfield, transformed by Mats Wieffer’s defensive intelligence and Carlos Baleba’s athletic destruction, controls matches through physicality and technique. The attack, headlined by Evan Ferguson’s generational finishing and João Pedro’s Brazilian flair, terrifies opposition defenses. Crucially, Brighton has balanced immediate competitiveness with enormous resale value; players like Ferguson, Verbruggen, and Baleba could command nine-figure fees if sold. The post-De Zerbi transition appears seamless; the tactical identity remains intact while evolving with new personnel. The looming challenge involves managing Europa League (or Champions League) demands alongside Premier League consistency, particularly given the squad’s relative youth. Yet the Amex Stadium’s atmosphere, amplified by supporters who remember the Withdean years and League One struggles, provides emotional fuel. Brighton no longer surprises opponents; they are respected, feared even. This squad appears equipped to deliver the club’s highest Premier League finish yet, potentially crashing the traditional top-six cartel. The Seagulls have truly arrived.
