Classy Lallana to leave Brighton at end of the season

In somewhat surprising news, Adam Lallana has announced he will leave Brighton at the end of the season when his playing contract expires.

Most had assumed Lallana would see out his career with the Albion before transitioning into a coaching role at the Amex.

That had appeared the Seagulls’ plan when handing him an initial three-year contract in the summer of 2020, followed by a one-year extension when he enjoyed his best run of form in a Brighton shirt after Roberto De Zerbi arrived as head coach.

But not anymore. Lallana instead departs, saying he wishes to spend more time with his family having been away from them during his four years with the Albion.

Lallana revealed his decision in one of the classiest social media goodbye posts you will ever read. Not that you would expect anything else from such a consummate professional.

“It’s always sad when something comes to an end, but the overriding feeling I will have leaving this amazing football club is gratitude,” wrote Lallana.

“I am so appreciative to Mr Bloom, Paul Barber, David Weir and all of the fantastic staff for the opportunities and support they have given me since arriving four years ago.”

“When I joined, BHAFC was an upwardly mobile club. It was ambitious and hungry to take the next step. We’ve actually made massive strides, not only by establishing ourselves as a presence in the Premier League but by qualifying for Europe and giving the supporters memories that’ll last a lifetime.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever hidden my support and admiration for the managers I’ve been lucky to work under. Graham Potter was so important for us and helped set an agenda for brave, attacking football. I loved working with Graham and his staff and his role in Brighton’s progress should never be underestimated.”

“Our current boss, Mr De Zerbi, is a genius. I’ll never tire of saying it. I’ve learned more from him than I ever thought possible.”

“I’ve never worked with anyone who has a passion for football like this man does. I owe Roberto more than he’ll ever realise and I’m certain he’ll achieve great things in the game he’s dedicated his life to.”

“This current BHAFC team is absolutely packed with talent and potential. I’ve played alongside some great pros in my time here and they’ve all been top lads as well as brilliant on the pitch. It’s been a privilege to share a dressing room with them and I wish every single one nothing but success going forward.”

“Finally, it’s often said that Brighton & Hove Albion is a superbly run football club – and, by the way, it is. But I think by constantly pointing to that, it does it a disservice because it’s also a club full of warmth and full of soul. The supporters are knowledgeable and appreciative. It’s such a special place, this Sussex by the sea.”

“But this message is a simple one: to everyone connected with Brighton & Hove Albion, I want to say a heartfelt thank you for everything you’ve given me and my family.”

That thanks is replicated right back at Lallana. The midfielder has made 103 appearances for the Seagulls to date, scoring four times. His impact though goes far beyond what he contributed on the pitch.

Lallana’s experience and leadership has proven invaluable in the young Brighton teams he has played for. Yves Bissouma, Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo all became better footballers learning every day in training from Lallana, to the point they attracted cumulative transfer fees of £175 million.

When Potter walked out for Chelsea, Lallana was asked by Tony Bloom to assist caretaker boss Andrew Crofts. Had the Queen not passed away, that duo would have taken charge of Brighton away at Plucky Little Bournemouth.

Bloom does not just entrust any Tom, Dick or Harry to run his football club. It tells you the high esteem Lallana is held in by the Albion.

He also played a vital role in the transition from Potterball to DeZerbiBall. Other than Solly March, Lallana was the player who improved the most in the immediate aftermath of De Zerbi’s appointment.

Playing as a number 10 in De Zerbi’s 4-2-3-1 formation, Lallana plundered three goals in 15 appearances under De Zerbi. His record before that read one in 59 with Potter at the helm.

A thigh injury in a January 2023 2-2 draw at Leicester City brought the purple patch to an end. Lallana was ruled out for the remainder of the the 2022-23 campaign.

In truth, he has not looked the same player since returning. He has made 13 starts and and 16 substitute appearances across all competitions this season.

There have been flashes of the Lallana of old but not enough to suggest he can contribute regularly to a team aiming to compete in the top half of the Premier League.

This presumably is why Lallana has decided to move on. De Zerbi wanted him to stay but approaching 37-years-old, would it really be worth another year apart from his family just to be a bit-part player?

Brighton would certainly have liked Lallana to remain and start his coaching journey with the club. That he is instead leaving suggests he wants to continue playing.

He could still do a job for a bottom half of the Premier League or Championship outfit, providing there is one close to home wanting to sign him. A return to Southampton perhaps?

No matter where he ends up, Lallana will always be welcome back at the Albion. And hopefully that is yet where he ends up when the time comes for him to move into management.

Many people raised an eyebrow when Brighton signed Lallana from Liverpool. Too old. Too injury prone. Too high wages. What could he offer the Albion?

The answer was more than anyone realised. The decision to bring Lallana to Brighton has been an overwhelming success and the Albion are a better football club for having had him around the place for four seasons.

Good luck to him for whatever the future holds.