Brighton & Hove Albion have taken the Premier League by storm in recent years. Since gaining promotion to the top flight eight years ago, the Seagulls haven’t looked back, and they are aiming for European qualification rather than looking over their shoulders at the drop zone in current times. Last term, they managed an eighth-place finish, their second-best of all time after sixth place in 2023.
Much of their success has come from their stellar scouting network and subsequent shrewd signings in the transfer market. This summer is no different, and young manager Fabian Hürzeler and his staff have already penned four signings in recent weeks.
Lofty Expectations
Brighton head into the 2025/26 season with lofty expectations. Last season’s impressive performances saw them miss out on European qualification by just four points. Next term, they will be aiming to go even better, and the bookies certainly fancy their chances.
Websites offering Premier League betting online currently price the Seagulls as an 11/1 contender to secure a top-four finish next term. If they are able to do that, they will secure Champions League qualification for the first time in history, a far cry from 15 years ago when the club was completing its fifth straight season in the third tier.
At the back end of last season, the popular Paddy Power blog tipped Brighton to qualify for Europe at odds of 6/1. Unfortunately, that didn’t come to fruition despite ending the campaign with three straight victories. However, with these four new signings in tow, perhaps next season will see the club return to the continental stage.
Clinging On To Kaoru Mitoma
Heading into the ongoing offseason, much of the discourse surrounded Kaoru Mitoma. The Japanese winger has emerged as a superstar in recent years, but his exploits have captured the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Mitoma’s turn 🥵#UEL pic.twitter.com/czEMrDE9T2
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) July 1, 2025
Fellow Premier League side Arsenal were thought to be extremely interested in securing his services, and after the Gunners raided Brighton to sign Leandro Trossard two years ago, many thought they would follow the same blueprint. The North London outfit is in dire need of some firepower outside because, as we saw last season, any injuries to Bukayo Saka or Gabriel Martinelli could leave them woefully exposed. However, despite the sizable interest, rumours of any potential deal have cooled off in recent weeks, with Mikel Arteta thought to be turning his attention toward Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, rather than Mitoma.
One club that is still interested in the Japan international is the German giant Bayern Munich. Since Vincent Kompany was appointed as manager last summer, the club has focused on the Premier League for new signings. They brought in both Michael Olise and Joao Palhinha last summer, and Mitoma was thought to be the next in line for a move to Bavaria.
However, much like at the Emirates, rumours have been quelled somewhat in recent weeks. Now, it looks as though Mitoma will remain at the AmEx, and that will bolster the club’s European ambitions next term.
