The upcoming season will be about consistency for Roberto De Zerbi as we preview Brighton & Hove Albion for the 2023/24 Premier League campaign.
Over the years, the Premier League has seen many teams occasionally break into the creamier part of the table but fail to sustain the pressure afterwards. Are Brighton & Hove Albion built any differently from Leicester City or Aston Villa in the past?
We would like to think so because they are currently on a trajectory that very few people envisaged, and there is utmost confidence De Zerbi will help sustain it. The Italian tactician brought in new tactics that did not do too much to cover their deficiencies but enhanced their ability to do damage.
For the first time in the club's 122-year history, Brighton & Hove Albion will be playing European football.
2023/24 is going to be a special season. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/91nwXk1g4i
— Squawka (@Squawka) May 21, 2023
The 2022/23 season was very indifferent to the current mood at the Amex after losing one of their promising player Marc Cucurella, to Chelsea. Soon, manager Graham Potter followed suit and donned the blue of London, which only damaged his reputation.
From being touted as one of English football’s future, Potter has completely disappeared after the ill-fated act at Chelsea. It tells us how ruthless this game has become. In came Roberto De Zerbi. And to everyone’s surprise, he steered Brighton to a top-six finish and into the Europa League group stages for next season.
Brighton, by no means, are the financial superpowers their other big-six counterparts are. But they have the will to perform admirably as the minnows in this group. Yet, fans of each of the other five teams will be petrified at the prospect of facing De Zerbi and his charges this season.
The Prelude
Roberto De Zerbi firmly remains the start and end of Brighton’s current cycle. The club have shown they are eager to adapt and make ruthless changes if needed. Despite rumours of some of the big clubs wanting the Italian tactician, he has remained unfazed and committed to the job at the Seagulls.
A fantastic evening to celebrate our greatest season ever. Thank you to the supporters who attended tonight, to those who watched at home, our sponsors @AmexUK and a very special grazie mille to this man.
Forza Albion. 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/S32PKZSzVC
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) August 1, 2023
Even in the scenario where De Zerbi would have left the club, Brighton & Hove Albion were expected to make some key changes and bring in a new manager to take the club forward. Such has been their model over the last few years, and they are the perfect example of how to run a football club.
The departure of Potter was a blessing in disguise, as De Zerbi steered the club to a record-breaking finish and into Europe. The Italian’s arrival, even before it happened, had sent many neutrals into a tizzy as they wanted him to manage in the Premier League.
Having a manager who wants to stay at the club goes a long way to reassure fans more than any said player would do. Hence, Brighton arrived into the pre-season knowing they could lose two of their key players, with Moises Caicedo being the second.
The whole mood of the club is currently based on the Ecuadorian’s future. But there is some optimism about him staying put. There is the lure of playing European football, something like De Zerbi mentioned is not the case with Chelsea, and his price tag seems out of reach for anyone as things stand.
The European adventure is something the fans are looking forward to. But there are some question marks around it. Brighton have updated their squad, but is it enough to sustain the Europa League and Premier League together?
As a team, they are tactically sound under the Italian, and there has been more evidence during their pre-season campaign so far. Albeit finishing with mixed results, there were plenty of positive takeaways from it, including in the 4-3 loss to Chelsea in the US.
The Italian tactician has developed the knowns and unknowns to very good levels. He has enhanced their attacking capabilities while working hard to negate the defensive deficiencies. In terms of numbers, Brighton overachieved in both defensive and attacking actions in the past season, exceeding their xG on both sides of the pitch.
From a tactical perspective, many assume their numbers could drop due to the potential exits of key players. Alexis Mac Allister, who was central to their attacking style, has already left to join Liverpool, while Moises Caicedo’s future also hangs on uncertain terms.
At the end of last season, some arrogant football fans from other clubs thought many top teams would pluck the best talents out of Brighton. That included Caicedo, Kaoru Mitoma and Evan Ferguson. Instead, the trio might continue to play at the Amex for the foreseeable future, with the Ecuadorian the only visible doubt among them.
With the Caicedo chase, Brighton have also refused to bow down. Fabrizio Romano’s updates on the midfielder’s future carried one particular thing everyone must have noticed. The journalist reiterated that Brighton and De Zerbi had an understanding with the midfielder that could allow him a transfer.
🗣️ "I would like to keep him with us!"
Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi admits the club already have a replacement signing lined up in case Moises Caicedo joins Chelsea 🔁🔵 pic.twitter.com/5OT3PZQdCb
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 28, 2023
De Zerbi has already distanced himself from such claims and left the ball in Tony Bloom’s court to decide Caicedo’s future. Moreover, the Ecuadorian signed a new long-term deal that gives Brighton the power in negotiations. And so far, they have stood firm on their £100 million valuation.
If Caicedo stays, it is fantastic news for Brighton from many angles. The upcoming season is crucial for the Seagulls to replicate their performances from last season and sustain the pressure. Like we said before, Leicester City and Aston Villa have in the past entered this realm. But they did not manage to keep up with the big boys.
Overall, Brighton must manoeuvre their campaign with caution and not overburden expectations with a top-four finish and other similar targets. The ideal season would see them finish in the top six again, maintain the club’s levels, and manage expectations for their fans.
Squad Update
There have been a few ups and downs in the close season for Brighton. What came as a surprise was their relatively low-cost sale of key midfielder Alexis Mac Allister to Liverpool. After add-ons, the deal could go up to £55 million. But it seems too little by the standards of their recent sales.
On en parle assez peu mais Brighton réalise un nouveau mercato intéressant et prometteur ! 💙
🇧🇷 João Pedro (21 ans – 34 M€)
🏴 James Milner (37 ans – libre)
🇩🇪 Mahmoud Dahoud (27 ans – libre)
🇳🇱 Bart Verbruggen (20 ans – 20 M€)
🇧🇷 Igor (25 ans – 17M€) 🆕Ça travaille bien ! pic.twitter.com/kutHpVj8sp
— Footballogue (@Footballogue) July 26, 2023
If there are any questions about the sale price, Brighton have sufficiently replaced the Argentine with free agent Mahmoud Dahoud from Borussia Dortmund. The German midfielder, who likes to play slightly deeper, was brought in with the idea of making the team defensive sound in the middle.
He has already shown flashes of his talents in pre-season and will likely develop into a starring presence under De Zerbi. Meanwhile, they wanted to sign Levi Colwill permanently from Chelsea. But the Blues have refused to entertain any offers.
He has since been mentioned in a deal for Caicedo, but Colwill has already signed a new contract at Stamford Bridge, thus ruling out a move. Brighton have acted fast and signed a left-footed centre-back for De Zerbi in Igor.
Meanwhile, they have also brought in experienced star James Milner on a free transfer, as he could provide some quality depth when needed. In addition, with Robert Sanchez likely to leave, Brighton have signed Bart Verbruggen from Anderlecht to create competition for the No.1 spot alongside Jason Steele.
🚨 Negotiations are ongoing between Chelsea and Brighton for both Moises Caicedo and Robert Sanchez and #CFC are confident [@FabrizioRomano via @caughtoffside] pic.twitter.com/AsNlxrekuX
— Transfer Centre (@CentreTransfer) August 3, 2023
They have also brought in exciting Romanian youngster Adrian Mazilu, and he will take a squad role under De Zerbi this upcoming season. Overall, the transfer business does seem quite efficient, although their best transfer was from Watford.
Last but not least, Brighton broke their transfer record by signing Joao Pedro in a £30 million deal from Watford. The Brazilian forward comes with a big reputation and gives De Zerbi’s side something different in the final third.
Joao Pedro, Julio Enciso and Kaoru Mitoma make up for an exciting front line. At the same time, the likes of Facundo Buonanotte and Evan Ferguson will also make great contributions with their goals and assists. The defence also looks strong and midfield efficient, especially if Caicedo stays.
Key Fixtures
Roberto De Zerbi would have rubbed his hands looking at the opening three games for his side. They face newly promoted Luton Town on the first weekend, followed by Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United. One would bet on the Seagulls taking maximum points from these games and setting themselves up for significant challenges in the 4th and 5th matchdays.
🚨 Our 23/24 @PremierLeague fixtures! 🚨
We welcome @LutonTown on the opening day of the season. 🟠 pic.twitter.com/V0cZnVUTZl
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) June 15, 2023
First up, they face Newcastle United at home and then travel to take on Manchester United at Old Trafford. The latter seems daunting, but their recent history indicates the venue is a happy hunting ground.
Then in October, they face the daunting task of taking on Liverpool and Manchester City in consecutive matchdays, which could ideally make or break their momentum. Later in the year, they face off four London clubs in as many matchdays, with away fixtures to Arsenal and Palace and then hosting Tottenham and West Ham.
Overall, the fixtures list seems mixed for De Zerbi, with regular meetings with some of the top sides after a period of relatively decent games. The manager hopes to kick-start the season properly and take maximum points from his first three games to build momentum.
The other clashes against top-six opponents and those outside, like Tottenham, Aston Villa and Chelsea, could redefine their capabilities. Other important clashes, like those against Brentford or Fulham, may have a detrimental effect on their table position.
Key Players
Kaoru Mitoma
If there was one player that has experienced massive development under Roberto De Zerbi, it is Mitoma. The Japanese winger has forged a reputation as one of the astute wingers in the Premier League, and there is no talk about him moving away from Brighton & Hove Albion.
It is a big season for the winger to showcase his talent further, and there is already talk of a new contract. Having him on their side makes Brighton a much stronger force in the attack, and there’s enough emphasis on the 26-year-old to lead their attacking setup.
Evan Ferguson
Ireland’s Young Player of The Year
Brighton’s Young Player of The Year
What a breakthrough season Evan Ferguson had, can’t wait to see what he does this season
🇮🇪💚 pic.twitter.com/X52UkGuJhq
— IrishPropaganda🇮🇪⚽️ (@IrishPropaganda) August 3, 2023
The youngster had a breakthrough season under De Zerbi and excelled whenever he took the pitch. The new campaign will test his prowess and the rising reputation of becoming a future star, although he will not come under too much pressure to deliver.
Brighton consider him a massive talent, and their swift offering of a new deal suggests how much they value him. He will become a £100 million-plus striker in record time. But the signing of Joao Pedro will help him ease into the side peacefully.
Ferguson is the player we must watch during the upcoming season, as Brighton need not have to spend millions on recruiting a tall, physical forward who could lead the line.
Season Expectations
As we said before, Brighton & Hove Albion must do everything possible to sustain their position rather than looking for immediate improvements. They did a tremendous job to finish sixth last season, and possibly nobody expected them to play Europa League this term.
🗣 "We all should have no ceiling for what our targets should be."
Jason Steele is looking forward to what the season brings and playing in the Europa League with Brighton 🏆 pic.twitter.com/bKJ6Ggi9D9
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) August 2, 2023
While having European games excites any club, Brighton plan on remaining here for the long haul and not being a one-season wonder. Winning the Europa League should become an objective but not the expectation.
Similarly, they have to manage their league expectations, especially as they are playing on two big fronts. The Premier League should be their absolute priority, and again, finishing in the top six is a target. With such an end to the next season, Brighton can continue building on their recent success in a sustained manner.
Meanwhile, De Zerbi hopes to achieve a domestic trophy via the FA Cup or Carabao Cup. Those two are still difficult tasks but doable at the very least. The Italian manager must take full control of proceedings right from the start, and they can achieve big things this season if they have momentum on their side.
Get caisedo for us Mr Todd?