Brighton Summer Transfer Window 2024 Analysis: Strategy, Needs, Areas for Improvement and Financial Capabilities
Brighton’s Performance in the 2023/24 Season
Having finished an incredible sixth in the Premier League in the 2022/23 season, Brighton took somewhat of a nosedive in the 2023/24 season as they finished 11th with 48 points.
The Seagulls made a shaky start to the campaign as they suffered some shock defeats despite starting off with two wins. They maintained decent form throughout the season but just on win in April and May 2024 left them in a dire place as they kept slipping down the table. Looking like contenders to qualify for Europe at one stage, they failed to stay in the top half in the end.
Brighton qualified for the UEFA Europa League and performed well in the group stages as they topped Group B ahead of Marseille and Ajax. However, they were knocked out of the round of 16 following a 4-1 aggregate defeat against AS Roma.
They did fairly well in the FA Cup as they made it to Round 5 but were knocked out by fellow PL side Wolves. The EFL Cup, on the other hand, did not bring any joy as Brighton were knocked out after a defeat to Chelsea in Round 3.
Transfer Strategy
Right from when they got promoted to the Premier League, Brighton have revolutionised the transfer market with the way they operate. Their widespread scouting network backed by data analytics helps them identify players that could be perfect fits for the club.
Over the last few seasons, the Seagulls have earned the reputation of a selling club, considering the huge fees they have received for some players. They have sold the likes of Marc Cucurella (to Chelsea), Leandro Trossard (to Arsenal), Moises Caicedo (to Chelsea) and Alexis Mac Allister (to Liverpool) over the last couple of seasons to raise huge funds.
These have been invested in signing some young and exciting talent, with Joao Pedro, Bart Verbruggen, Pervis Estupinan, Simon Adingra, and more recently, Yankuba Minteh being their recent acquisitions.
Now, under new manager Fabian Hurzeler, the club will look to stick to the core principles of their transfer strategy but will look to adjust as per the manager’s demands.
Squad Needs & Areas of Improvement
Defenders
While the starting back four usually consists of Pervis Estupinan, Lewis Dunk, Joel Veltman and Tariq Lamptey, the quality drops off significantly when this quartet aren’t on the pitch. Brighton will need to address this issue ahead of what could be another nail-biting season.
Strikers
While they have Joao Pedro as the starter and Danny Welbeck and Evan Ferguson to back him up, they risk losing two of these three players to bigger clubs at any point of time. For that, they need to be prepared to lose Pedro and/or Ferguson whenever a big offer comes in.
Brighton Transfer Window 2024: Potential Signings & Top Targets
| Brighton Transfer Targets | Position | Current Club | Estimated Fee (in EUR millions) |
| Malick Junior Yalcouye | Midfielder | IFK Goteborg | 5m |
| Georginio Rutter | Striker | Leeds United | 18m |
| Crysencio Summerville | Winger | Leeds United | 20m |
| Baris Alper Yilmaz | Winger | Galatasaray | 17m |
Malick Junior Yalcouye
The 18-year-old Ivorian could be just the player Brighton need to adequately plug the gap left by Caicedo’s departure last season. He made 15 appearances in the 2023/24 season and scored one goal as he continues to develop. Yalcouye has electric pace and is also agile, making him a tough customer to mark out wide. Adding him could prove crucial for Brighton as they need depth in that area.
Georginio Rutter
The 22-year-old Frenchman had a good season for Leeds last time around. Rutter made 51 appearances across competitions, netting eight goals and providing 16 assists as well. Primarily deployed as the main striker or false 9, his ability to link up play with his teammates is one of his top skills. With age on his side, he could still become a top player.
Crysencio Summerville
Another Leeds player, the Dutchman had a great season for the Whites last time around. He made 49 appearances across competitions, scoring an impressive 21 goals and providing 10 assists as well. His ability to play on either wing combined with his blistering pace and skill to shoot with both feet, Summerville would be a huge coup if Brighton can pull this deal off.
Baris Alper Yilmaz
The 24-year-old Turk had a reasonably good season for Galatasaray last time around. He made 55 appearances for them across competitions, scoring seven goals and providing 12 assists as well. He can play in any of three positions in a front three and could be a valuable asset for Brighton.
Brighton’s Financial Capabilities
Having gained an astute understanding of the transfer market over the years, Brighton as a club seem to always operate keeping Financial Fair Play (FFP) in mind. Some major sales such as Caicedo and Cucurella, Mac Allister, etc have helped the Seagulls gain adequate funds to buy new players as well.
Budget Overview
Last season, Caicedo’s sale to Chelsea alone fetched Brighton a handsome €116 million, while their total income for 22 departures was €190.20 million. The Ecuadorian’s sale covered their entire purchase spree of 25 players worth €109.50 million, resulting in a net profit of €80.70 million. That money combined with a few more sales should be good for the Seagulls.
Financial Fair Play (FFP)
Being smart in the market will stand in good stead for the Seagulls as they seem safe from FFP.
Strategic Spending
True to their transfer strategy, Brighton would be remiss if they changed their approach after 2-3 years of success after employing it.