Brighton Plans Multiple Summer Sales Nearing £100 Million Amid Key Player Uncertainty

Brighton & Hove Albion faces a pivotal summer transfer window with key decisions regarding several important players, including Jan Paul Van Hecke, Bart Verbruggen, Kaoru Mitoma, Carlos Baleba, and Joao Pedro. Van Hecke, having extended his contract and being integral to the team and the Dutch national squad, is expected to stay, while Verbruggen's future is uncertain amid interest from top European clubs like Barcelona and Bayern Munich, with Brighton considering a sale if the price is right. Kaoru Mitoma, a fan favorite with strong commercial appeal and personal ties to Barcelona, is likely to leave, fulfilling his dream of Champions League football, while Baleba is viewed as a promising talent the club hopes to retain for development. Joao Pedro’s departure seems imminent due to off-field issues, adding to the complexity of decisions that could reshape the squad's core. The club's model of developing young talent and selling at high value is under scrutiny, as selling too many key players risks prolonging a transitional phase rather than building on progress made in the 2024-25 season. Brighton's leadership, led by owner Tony Bloom, faces the challenge of balancing financial opportunities with maintaining a competitive team capable of challenging for European qualification.