Exploring the possibilities for what has already proved a summer of change at the Amex following the ousting of Chris Hughton...
Friday 17 May 2019 11:03, UK
Chris Hughton paid the price for a slump that took Brighton perilously close to the Premier League trap door. Once a new manager is appointed, the focus will be on adding the players who can, at the very least, ensure survival again next term.
Last summer was a busy one for Brighton with 12 players arriving at the Amex Stadium, including Iran international Alireza Jahanbakhsh from AZ Alkmaar for a club-record fee. However, the winger failed to score in 19 league appearances and was one of a number of signings who struggled to make an impact as Brighton's season nosedived in the new year.
So who could come in to strengthen the squad this time around? And who could be heading for the exit door? Read on to find out…
Charlie Nicholas: "They have a decent goalkeeper and their defensive duo are solid. Bruno has been brilliant, but Brighton have struggled to get decent full-backs. Midfield-wise they are struggling. Pascal Gross hasn't hit the heights this season that I believe he should have done. They have spent money but they rely far too much on Glenn Murray for goals. Florin Andone has been poor.
"They have their own transfer system that they work with, but the recruitment has been poor, and for that reason they have been in a relegation battle. They are looking for progress and there is nothing wrong with that. The decision to sack Hughton was harsh but sometimes that's the way it goes.
"They need six players in order to survive again, in my opinion. At any team at the lower end of the Premier League, they need to find a gem that can score you goals, otherwise you need goals from various players. Perhaps Ashley Barnes could be a shout, but would he leave Burnley for Brighton? Probably not.
"The fans will not demand anything extreme, but they need to strengthen in a variety of positions to survive. Who is the manager going to be? And how will the team be set up? That's not yet clear but next season it will be a case of trying to finishing above the bottom three."
Brighton scored only 35 goals in the Premier League, the fewest of any side to avoid relegation and no side had fewer shots on target than their 108. Safe to say, then, that the attack needs some bolstering.
With an average age of almost 28, Brighton also had one of the oldest starting line-ups in the Premier League so that could also quicken the need for an overhaul.
Elliot Cook: "Brighton's main focus in the summer is likely to be on strengthening in the forward areas.
"Glenn Murray will turn 36 in September and can't be expected to be the Seagulls' main goal-getter yet again. In fact, Brighton may be looking for more than one out-and-out striker in the window. Florin Andone has impressed in fits and starts but the jury is still out over whether he can score enough goals.
"This is Dan Ashworth's first transfer window at the club since taking the role of Technical Director. Given Ashworth's success at the FA in developing England's young talent, there may be a change of tack for Brighton. Instead of signing players from Europe and South America, Ashworth's influence may mean one or two up and coming stars may arrive at the Amex. It's understood Ashworth and head of recruitment Paul Winstanley are looking to bring in players to add pace and athleticism to the team.
"Definitely on the list for Hughton before his departure was a rival No 10 to Pascal Gross and a replacement right-back following Bruno's decision to retire.
"Critics say Brighton's struggle in the second half of the season was partly down to poor recruitment - an important summer awaits as Brighton prepare for a third season in the Premier League."
A right-back, a box-to-box central-midfielder, a winger and a striker.
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