Brighton 24/25 Premier League season preview: What to expect from the Seagulls?

Football is always more than just a game on the field. It’s an ode to hope, struggle, dedication, and those fleeting moments when a tiny possibility turns into history.

Brighton is a perfect embodiment of this philosophy. When a club, whose financial capabilities are far behind those of the Premier League giants, continues to surprise, it becomes a symbol of persistence and tactical acumen.

Football analytics experts from Tips.gg have been watching the success of this team for a long time, and according to their opinion – Brighton is a team that has established a reputation as real fighters over the past few seasons.

This is a club that, without a star-studded squad, consistently proves that football is not only a game of resources but also of strategy, correct decisions, and hard work on the field.

The past years have shown that Brighton knows how to surprise, becoming a real threat for opponents in the EPL.

The last few seasons for the Seagulls have been like a lesson for the entire EPL. They’ve shown that progress can be made not by huge investments but through competent management, successful transfers, and team play.

Today, Brighton is not just a mid-table side, but a genuine contender for the upper half of the table. Moreover, their performance in the Europa League adds to their ambitions on the international stage. The 24/25 season promises to be yet another step in their continuous rise, and here’s what we can expect from them.

Last season review (23/24)

2023-24 Season Review: What Happened to Brighton

The 2023-2024 season for Brighton was, to put it mildly, unpredictable, and this is not just a fancy journalistic cliché.

It seemed that the club, which in previous years made everyone talk about them as the “new force” in the Premier League, suddenly returned to mid-table mediocrity. An 11th-place finish is not a failure, but far from the result fans expected after the previous year’s success.

Just think about it: 48 points in the bag and almost an equal number of goals scored and conceded. Brighton in the 23/24 season resembled not so much the bright Seagulls but a ship caught in the doldrums: stability without much spark.

At times, the former power would awaken — a few matches showed that the team could play at a high level, but consistency was lacking.

Key stats? Sure. 55 goals scored — a figure that can’t be called outstanding for a team with such an attacking philosophy, and 62 goals conceded, which is also unimpressive but typical for teams that can’t always manage their resources well.

At home, Brighton showed relatively solid results, but away… Whenever they had to travel, the Seagulls often ended up with no points.

Symbolic matches? The win over Tottenham — here’s a signal that Brighton has talent and potential. But then — a harsh defeat by Chelsea and a thrashing by Man City.

It felt like the team could compete on equal terms with the giants but lost that crucial stability.

Participation in the Europa League was a challenge. Of course, it’s nice when you represent England on the European stage, but it’s one thing to play on Thursday in London, and quite another to travel to some Eastern European town 3,000 km away.

This clearly affected the team’s freshness. European trips were often followed by tough league games, which inevitably impacted the overall result.

Ultimately, the 2023-2024 season is a story about how Brighton tried to find balance between domestic and international ambitions.

It seemed like not long ago, the team was a bright new light in English football, but this season they, so to speak, took a pause to catch their breath and think about their future.

Performance in the last 3 seasons (21/22 – 23/24)

Any football predictions are based on a deep analysis of past events and a retrospective look at Brighton’s last three seasons demonstrates clear progress.

Should we expect similar progress in the future? The 21/22 season was a real breakthrough for the club: the Seagulls finished in the top half of the table, taking 9th place with 51 points.

At the time, it was an unprecedented achievement for a team that had recently been fighting for survival.

The 22/23 season was the next step in their development. The club continued to build on its established game plans, attracting new players and strengthening their positions.

The result was a historic 6th-place finish and the club’s first-ever qualification for European competitions.

This was the outcome of gradual progress and competent management. An important role in this was played by the team’s playing style: high-intensity pressing, possession, and quick counterattacks became their hallmark.

The 23/24 season showed that Brighton had more questions than answers. While the team continued to show character and reminded everyone of its potential, it’s hard to speak of any serious progress this season.

Finishing 11th, the Seagulls didn’t meet the expectations set after their previous success. Yes, there were flashes of brilliance in attack, some standout matches, but overall consistency was clearly lacking.

Transfers and tactical innovations may not have worked as effectively as planned, and the team’s performance wasn’t enough to lift them above mid-table.

Essentially, the 23/24 season became a kind of test for Brighton: how far are they willing to go, and how ambitious can they be? However, to solidify their place among the EPL top teams, they still have several significant steps to take.

What to expect from coach Fabian Hürzeler

The arrival of a new coach always brings many questions and expectations. Fabian Hurzeler is a young and ambitious manager who will likely bring new tactical solutions.

His tactics are based on a balanced game between attack and defense. If De Zerbi focused on pressing and speed, Hurzeler might offer a more flexible approach, allowing the team to stabilize defensively without losing attacking potency.

His main task for the 24/25 season is managing the rotation and effectively using the squad. Hurzeler needs to continue developing young players who play a crucial role in the club’s strategy. One of his key challenges will be maintaining the balance of play, keeping the team in the upper half of the EPL table, and making a return to the Europa League.

Key Players to Watch

Young forward Evan Ferguson continued to please fans in the 2023/24 season, though his breakthrough was not spectacular.

This time he scored 6 goals in the EPL, highlighting his potential but not making him an undeniable star. Despite this, expectations for his progress remain high. He could become one of Brighton’s main attacking weapons if he continues to develop.

Japanese player Kaoru Mitoma remains a key creative force in Brighton’s squad. His speed and dribbling make him indispensable for the team’s attacking play.

In the 23/24 season, Mitoma showed his ability to create opportunities for his teammates, but consistency was lacking.

In the new season, his partnership with Ferguson will be a key aspect of the Seagulls’ success.

Experienced captain Lewis Dunk is a true pillar in defense. His leadership qualities and composure help Brighton handle opponents’ attacking threats.

In the new season, his role is not only to defend but also to help young players adapt to the demands of the EPL.

Pascal Gross is a veteran who provides balance and stability in midfield. His ability to control the ball and make the right decisions makes him an irreplaceable element in Brighton’s setup.

In the 24/25 season, he must continue to play his role, which is especially important in light of the expected changes in the squad.

Brighton continually refreshes its roster, and new players could play a key role for the team. This season, the club made several interesting acquisitions that should add depth and enhance competition. Success in the EPL largely depends on how quickly these newcomers can adapt.

Expectations for the 24/25 season

The 24/25 season will be an important test for Brighton. Despite not participating in the Europa League, the team still needs to learn to effectively manage their squad and rotation.

This season, the challenges will not only be their opponents but also managing the physical condition of the team.

One of the main factors for success will be their transfer policy. To compete for higher positions in the table, newcomers must quickly blend into the group, and key players must avoid injuries. If the Seagulls can avoid lineup issues, they have every chance of finishing in the upper half of the table.

Predicted finish — 6th to 8th place, which would be a respectable result for a club still on its path to establishing itself as a strong EPL team rankings participant.

Conclusion

Brighton continues its impressive growth, and in the new season, they will once again fight for a place among England’s strongest clubs.

Young stars, experienced veterans, and a new coach create an atmosphere of expectations and hopes. The question is whether they can handle the pressure and meet the fans’ expectations.

One thing is certain: the 24/25 season will be another milestone in the fascinating story of a club that never ceases to amaze year after year.