Guardian writersâ predicted position: 11th (NB: this is not necessarily Ed Aaronsâ prediction but the average of our writersâ tips)
Last seasonâs position: 11th
Prospects
There is a renewed sense of optimism in the seaside air post-Roberto De Zerbi after the arrival of the Premier Leagueâs youngest-ever permanent manager in Fabian HĂŒrzeler. Having led St Pauli to promotion to the Bundesliga last season, the 31-year-old appears to be a smart choice to step into the enigmatic Italianâs shoes.
De Zerbiâs historic achievements in his two seasons included a stirring comeback against his new employers, Marseille, that sparked Brightonâs run to the last 16 of the Europa League. But 11th place was a disappointing end to his tenure after a season severely affected by injuries and it felt like the right time for both parties to move on.
HĂŒrzelerâs task is to build on progress made under De Zerbi with a talented squad that should be well equipped to challenge for a top-half finish, even if matching their sixth place from 2022-23 may be beyond them. The return of Kaoru Mitoma from injury after the Japan forward missed the final three months of last season with a back problem will be vital to their chances. The new arrivals, Ibrahim Osman and Yankuba Minteh, look capable of adding firepower to a squad that already contains Simon Adingra and JoĂŁo Pedro.
Brightonâs real issues may be in midfield, where they have sold the club stalwart Pascal Gross and could lose Billy Gilmour. HĂŒrzeler will hope the ÂŁ25m Netherlands international, Mats Wieffer, can provide support to the emerging star Carlos Baleba.
Not having to cope with the extra demands of European football should make things easier and Brighton fans will be quietly confident that their eighth Premier League season in succession could be another to remember.
The manager
HĂŒrzeler, described by Brightonâs chief executive, Paul Barber, as âhumble, smart, intelligent and a great communicatorâ, was born in the US, grew up in Munich and also holds Swiss citizenship. He is seven years younger than squad member James Milner, but his career trajectory after 18 months at St Pauli suggests there could be plenty to get excited about. HĂŒrzeler usually favours an attacking 3-4-3 with an emphasis on retaining possession, and described Brightonâs data-driven approach as the âperfect matchâ. A tendency to pick up yellow cards for his antics on the touchline should be familiar to Brighton supporters after De Zerbiâs frequent outbursts.
Off-field picture
Tony Bloom, for an owner who prefers to keep his cards close to his chest, has been unusually outspoken on the subject of profitability and sustainability rules. âIt would be much better if clubs didnât put the Premier League in the situation where points deductions are necessary,â he said when HĂŒrzeler was appointed at the start of July. Thanks to Bloom investing more than ÂŁ400m in his beloved club since 2007 and his shrewd ownership that yielded record Premier League profits of ÂŁ122m last year, there is no chance of Brighton falling foul of any sanctions at present. Supporters will have been encouraged to see some of those profits being used to improve their squad, with more than ÂŁ75m spent this summer.
Breakout star
âI believe in Carlos,â said De Zerbi of Baleba after a 1-1 draw with Everton in February. âHe can become one of the best players in the Premier League in the future, for sure.â A few weeks earlier, the 20-year-old all-action Cameroon midfielder had been described as ânot ready for the Premier Leagueâ by his manager in a thinly veiled dig at Brightonâs policy of signing young players with potential. Baleba was brought in as a replacement for MoisĂ©s Caicedo from Lille last summer, having arrived in France 18 months earlier from his first club in Cameroon. He struggled to convince De Zerbi at first, but there was no denying Balebaâs progress in the second half of his first Premier League season, leading to his international debut in June.
The A-lister
There seemed to be only one option for the destination of Brightonâs pre-season tour, such is Mitomaâs star quality. The club website has been publishing daily videos of the Japan forwardâs return to his homeland, with Milner handing the captainâs armband to the 27-year-old in a 4-2 win over Tokyo Verdy in the capital cityâs National Stadium. âThereâs been a lot of demand on him, to come home and all the appearances he has to do,â Milner said. âEveryone loves him as we do, but itâs been a tough week for him.â HĂŒrzeler has said Mitoma â who previously attracted interest from Liverpool and Manchester City â remains short of full fitness but is hopeful he will be back in full flight for the new campaign.
What they did this summer
Lewis Dunk watched Euro 2024 from the bench as England reached the final but was a highly valued member of the squad off the pitch. There was more action for the Netherlands goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, although he looks likely to miss the start of the season with an injury. Of Brightonâs South American contingent, Jeremy Sarmiento â who spent last season on loan at West Brom and Ipswich â scored for Ecuador in the Copa AmĂ©rica group stage before they lost against the eventual winners, Argentina, on penalties in the quarter-finals, and Julio Encisoâs Paraguay did not reach the knockout rounds. Enciso then went to the Olympics, where his side lost on penalties to Egypt in the quarter-finals.