Who are Brighton’s Top 3 Players to Watch in 2025/26?

It’s already been an active transfer window for Albion, with some promising arrivals eagerly awaiting a taste of Premier League action, but also some regular names we’re so used to seeing on the team sheet week in and out departing for new pastures.

How strong is the squad after 2024/25?

It has left Albion fans wondering how the season is going to go and what to expect in Fabian Hürzeler’s second season on the South Coast.

At the time of writing, according to Transfermarkt, Albion currently have 22 members of their 40-man squad who represent their country at international level, at all age stages. With local boy Jack Hinshelwood most recently being a key part in England U21’s Euros victory.

Over the last few seasons, Albion have been praised for their model of consistently buying ‘wonderkids’ who are undervalued at their current club in the market, have a vast amount of potential, but little experience in higher leagues.

These players have been recognised at the highest level for their talent and ability, and then sold on for a significant profit.

Who do we need to look out for?

Jan Paul Van Hecke and Carlos Baleba took home the Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season awards, respectively, in the last campaign, and Japanese winger Kaoru Mitoma has been discussed amongst fans and pundits as one of the best to wear the shirt.

Despite this, we took a deeper look into Brighton’s current squad and predicted who was going to be ‘ones to watch’ going into the upcoming season…

Stefanos Tzimas [19]

Signing for the Seagulls back in February, but remaining on loan at Bundesliga 2 side Nürnberg during the remainder of the 2024/25 season, the 19-year-old striker has been described as a goal machine and one of Nürnberg’s hottest talents.

Last season, after a slow start, the Greek U21 international found the net in 12 out of 24 appearances and was praised for his intelligent movement both on and off the ball, as well as his finishing ability.

The teenager still has room to improve. Being only 19 years of age, the Seagulls secured his signature for a fee of around $25 million, a price that may be considered steep compared to Albion’s usual spend.

However, the Greek also attracted interest from Champions League suitors like Liverpool, Aston Villa and Chelsea, demonstrating his potential amongst some of the world’s best. However, Tzimas was excited to join the Seagulls and was an admirer of manager Fabian Hürzeler and his style of play, as well as the German’s easy-to-talk-to nature.

As well as this, Tzimas influenced fellow Greek U21 teammate Charalampos Kostulas to join the Seagulls, both with a bright future ahead of them.

Brajan Gruda [20]

The German international had an exciting end to the previous campaign, scoring 4 goals in his final 8 appearances of the 2024/25 season.

Showing visible emotion after scoring his first Premier League goal at Molineux, securing the 3 points against Wolves in a 2-0 victory, it was evident that Gruda had worked hard during the campaign for his moment. 

Albion fans were treated to glimpses of the young German’s creative play and dribbling, and he has made a positive impact from off the bench on many occasions throughout the season.

The German’s standout performance came against Champions Liverpool, as he put in a true old-school Knockaert-esque display. Gruda ran the show, covering extensive distances and operating across both wings. He deserved a goal, but for some strong saves from Allison. 

Gruda’s driving runs and his manoeuvres in half-space pockets could be a serious one to watch ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, as Hürzeler’s style of play could allow for freedom.

With his form towards the end of the season, he earned a consistent place in the starting 11.

Following the end of the 2024/25 season, many Albion fans are eager to see if the German international can continue his impressive form during his second Premier League season. 

Yankuba Minteh [21]

The Gambian earned himself a catchy chant during the last campaign, with Albion fans mostly impressed with his first Premier League season, although the winger’s goal tally wasn’t as high as expected, with six goals and four assists to his name.

Minteh showed his promise through his exceptional dribbling and pace. The Gambian is electric on the wings. Showing strength and consistency alongside Mitoma on both wings.

The Albion forward has areas to improve on for this upcoming campaign; there were moments of questionable finishing and almost becoming ‘too fast’ for his own feet and appearing to trip over the ball, all of which can be ironed out. Normal signs of naivety in a talented young winger.

The former Magpie’s standout moment from the 24/25 season was his goal against his former club in the 1-1 draw, his second against his former club in the campaign. It’d be rude not to mention the masterclass against Chelsea, as the Seagulls dismantled them 3-0, with a brilliant brace coming from Minteh.

He brings an element of surprise and old fashioned wing play that gets fans off their feet  he’s exciting, and he’s still raw.

Both clubs are aware of the circumstances around Minteh’s departure from Tyneside before making the move to the South Coast, and his celebration left both fans and pundits confused over the message behind it.

This was later cleared up by Minteh, who explained:

“It’s a nice celebration because they were my former team before, but now I’m in Brighton, and that’s where my focus is. So I try to celebrate for them and make them happy.” 

A popular name amongst fans, Minteh certainly has the potential to excel with the Seagulls.

We’re looking into Fabian Hürzeler’s second full season as head coach, and he’s certainly treated to some individual quality!