This summer, Albion is still looking for new players and a new manager. Following the departure of Italian head coach Roberto De Zerbi, the Seagulls have been connected to several possible head coach candidates. Although Southampton’s head coach Russell Martin, Brentford manager Thomas Frank, and Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKena have all been mentioned, Brighton may see a familiar face again.
Graham Potter, their previous manager, is still the overwhelming favorite according to bookmakers and may take over at Amex Stadium this summer.
Potter enjoyed three largely successful seasons at Brighton before leaving for Chelsea in September 2022. The manner of his exit upset many of the fans and it’s unclear at this stage if the club would risk annoying parts of the fanbase with a Potter appointment.
Alongside the manager search, the club are still looking to strengthen on the pitch after a disappointing end to the season that saw them finish 11th. Here’s Albion’s potential XI and manager if the transfer rumours are true.
Bart Verbruggen – GK: The Dutchman impressed after his £16m arrival last summer. He was introduced slowly alongside the epxerienced Jason Steee and now looks ready to be the established No1. He could however face competition from Carl Rushworth after his impressive loan at Swansea.
Jack Hinshelwood – RB: Progressed through the Brighton academy and enjoyed a fine breakthrough season before a foot injury cut his campaign short. Expected to be back in time for the new season and will look to nail down a regular spot.
Lewis Dunk – CB: The Brighton skipper remains the heartbeat of the team and his class and experience will be vital at the start of the new season as new players and a manager bed in.
Jan Paul van Hecke – CB: The Dutch centre back was excellent for De Zerbi last term and moved above Adam Webster in the pecking order. A thigh injury saw his season end early but his emergence is a real plus for Albion and the new boss.
Valentin Barco – LB: Albion have a real talent on their hands here. Joined for around £7m last January and forced his way into the team in the later stages due to an injury to regular left back Pervis Estupinan. The 18-year-old is in Argentina’s initial squad for the Copa America and big things expected for next season.
Matt O’Riley – CM: The Celtic midfielder has been linked with a £25m switch to Brighton and could be the new Pascal Gross. The 23-year-old netted 18 goals last term with 13 assists. Gross has previously hinted he may leave Brighton this summer.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – CM: The Leicester midfielder was close to a £25m move last January and Brighton could return again for the impressive 25-year-old. Midfield is certainly an area Brighton need to target.
Billy Gilmour – CM: The Scotland international impressed this campaign and could be a main man in the midfield for the new manager. Plenty of experience and still only 22-years-old.
Simon Adingra – RW: The Ivorian attacker impressed last term from the flanks and could settle on the right until the return of Solly March from injury.
Joao Pedro – CF: The Brazilian netted 20 goals in all-competitions last term following his £30m summer move. Finished the season well after injury and another big season awaits.
Kaoru Mitoma – LW: The Japan international should be back from his lower back issue and take his place on the left flank. A huge miss for Brighton last season and a real favourite with the fans and on of the Pl’s most dangerous attacking players on his day.
Graham Potter – Head coach: Remains a firm favourite with the bookmakers to return to Brighton. The ex-boss would face a battle to win over sections of the crowd but remains a very talented coach.
