Transfer
It is not unpredictable that after an unexpectedly successful season, the stars are leaving Brighton. Alexis Mac Allister has moved to Liverpool, while Moises Caicedo is being closely watched by Chelsea.
Brighton have two notable additions: Joao Pedro - a record signing for £30 million and Bart Verbruggen (17 million pounds). Will the "Seagulls" have enough strength to compete in both the Premier League and the European arena with the current people?
Veteran James Milner, a free transfer from Liverpool and midfielder Mo Dahoud from Dortmund, will add the necessary experience with captain Lewis Dunk, who extended his contract this summer. So far, Brighton have failed to convince Chelsea to sell young defender Levi Colwill. The Blues will only consider this deal if Brighton release Caicedo.
No matter what happens, it will be interesting to see talents like Kaoru Mitoma, facundo Buonanotte, Evan Ferguson and Julio Enciso continue to develop under De Zerbi.
Coach
Brighton fans have every right to feel sad when looking back at losing Graham Potter to Chelsea just a few weeks after last season and replacing him with Roberto De Zerbi.
Fortunately, the Italian strategist did not waste his time to make a big impression when Brighton ended the Premier League last season as the fourth top scorer in the tournament and also reached the FA Cup semi-finals.
The 44-year-old strategist affirmed that he will not rush to leave the southern coast despite receiving many attractive offers. Brighton will also try to keep De Zerbi as long as possible.
Key players
Lewis Dunk debuted for Brighton in 2010 when the "Seagulls" were still playing in League One. At that time, their home stadium was an athletics stadium. Since then, Brighton fans have had a deep affection for the England centre-back.
With more than 400 appearances, Lewis Dunk is the "heart" of the club, and was trusted by Gareth Southgate to start for England at the end of last season. It is a pity that he was forced to withdraw due to injury, but could return to compete for a place at EURO 2024.
Potential star
The current Brighton squad is not lacking potential young stars. Enciso won the Premier League's best goal of the season award thanks to an unbelievable goal against Manchester City. Meanwhile, Buonanotte, Yasin Ayari and Odel Offiah are all highly appreciated.
However, Republican player Evan Ferguson has been a household name after his impressive comeback with six goals in just 10 Premier League appearances last season. Two of those goals against Southampton helped Brighton qualify for the European Cup.
Ferguson is under 19 and could become one of the best young players in the world if he is away from injury.
