Brighton’s Seven Contract Dilemmas: Who Should Stay and Who Could Leave This Summer?
Brighton face major decisions as seven players approach the final months of their contracts
Brighton & Hove Albion could have several important decisions to make over the coming months, with a number of players approaching the final stages of their current contracts.
The Seagulls have built one of the Premier League’s deeper and more competitive squads, and their situation has become even more demanding this season as they balance domestic football with their European commitments. Brighton are also competing across the domestic cup competitions, meaning manager Fabian Hurzeler needs strength and experience throughout his squad.
After five Premier League matches, Brighton find themselves sitting third in the table, giving the club plenty of reason for optimism. However, while performances on the pitch continue to attract attention, the club’s recruitment and contract strategy will also become increasingly important as the season progresses.
By the time next summer arrives, seven players could be approaching the end of their current deals. That leaves Brighton with some significant calls to make.
The club made several changes to its squad during the previous transfer window, and another period of adjustment could follow next summer. Brighton have generally been cautious about doing too much business during the January transfer window, but the decisions surrounding these seven players could shape the squad for the longer term.
So, who deserves another contract, who could be allowed to move on, and which players still have something to prove?
Jason Steele – Goalkeeper
Jason Steele remains an important figure within Brighton’s squad despite being the club’s second-choice goalkeeper.
The experienced 36-year-old has earned significant praise from Fabian Hurzeler, who recently described him as the best No. 2 goalkeeper in the Premier League. Steele has also continued to demonstrate that he can be relied upon when called upon.
That was particularly evident in Brighton’s Carabao Cup third-round victory over Manchester United, where Steele produced an impressive performance between the posts.
His role may primarily involve domestic cup football, while he could also see opportunities in the UEFA Conference League depending on how Brighton manage their squad. Even without being the regular Premier League starter, his experience, professionalism and reliability make him a valuable member of the group.
Verdict: Keep. Steele looks like the kind of experienced squad player Brighton would benefit from retaining, and another contract would appear to make sense.
Lewis Dunk – Defender
Club captain Lewis Dunk remains another fascinating contract case.
At 34, the experienced centre-back is entering the latter stages of his career, but his importance to Brighton should not be underestimated. Dunk has made a positive start to the campaign, and his ability to produce moments of quality continues to make him a useful option at the back.
If he can remain fit throughout the season, Brighton will have a strong argument for keeping their captain around for at least another year.
There is, however, considerably more competition for places in central defence than there has been in previous seasons. Brighton have invested heavily in developing and recruiting defenders, meaning Dunk cannot necessarily expect to play every week.
Still, his leadership, experience and knowledge of the club could be particularly valuable to a squad competing on several fronts.
Verdict: Keep, at least for another year. If Dunk maintains his fitness and form, extending his stay would allow Brighton to retain an experienced leader while continuing to develop their younger defensive options.
Tom McGill – Goalkeeper
Tom McGill is another player whose future could be influenced heavily by the amount of first-team football available to him.
The 26-year-old is highly regarded within Brighton, but opportunities have been limited because of the competition for places in the goalkeeping department.
McGill has previously spent time on loan with Milton Keynes Dons and Crawley Town, gaining valuable experience away from the Amex. However, as he enters the next stage of his career, regular playing time could become increasingly important.
Brighton may value his abilities, but the goalkeeper himself could also be looking at his options and asking whether another move would provide him with the consistent football he needs.
Verdict: Potentially sell or allow to leave. McGill’s situation could ultimately come down to what is best for his development and whether Brighton can offer him a realistic pathway to regular first-team football.
Yasin Ayari – Midfielder
Yasin Ayari is one of the more complicated cases on Brighton’s list.
The Sweden international has already been involved in discussions with the club regarding a new contract, but so far the two sides have been unable to reach an agreement.
Ayari has kept relatively quiet about the situation, while Brighton are also understood to be unwilling to make an announcement until a final agreement has been reached.
There is also believed to be an option for Brighton to extend his stay for another year, giving the club an additional route if negotiations over a longer-term deal do not immediately produce an agreement.
The midfielder’s situation will therefore be one to monitor closely as the season develops.
Verdict: Keep, if an agreement can be reached. Brighton clearly see value in Ayari, but the contract situation means his future remains uncertain for now.
Pascal Gross – Midfielder
Pascal Gross is another name who could attract plenty of attention when Brighton’s contract decisions are discussed.
The 35-year-old German has enjoyed an excellent return to Brighton following his spell with Borussia Dortmund, reminding supporters why he became such an important figure during his previous time at the club.
Gross brings experience, technical quality and an understanding of Brighton that few players can match. His influence has made calls for another contract increasingly difficult to ignore.
At 35, Brighton will naturally have to consider his age and long-term squad planning. However, his performances since returning suggest that he still has plenty to offer.
For a club competing in Europe as well as the Premier League and domestic competitions, having an experienced player capable of contributing at this stage of his career can be extremely valuable.
Verdict: Keep. Gross has done enough to make a new deal a compelling option, particularly if his performances remain at the current level.
Kaoru Mitoma – Winger
Kaoru Mitoma presents perhaps the most difficult decision of the group.
The Japan international is currently recovering from a hamstring injury and is hoping to return to action in the coming weeks. His absence has meant Brighton have had to cope without one of their most dangerous attacking players.
Mitoma, 29, has been sidelined for some time and will be eager to return to full fitness and rediscover his best form.
When operating at his peak, Mitoma has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most exciting wingers. His pace, dribbling ability and creativity can provide Brighton with a major attacking threat.
However, his contract situation cannot be viewed separately from his fitness and performances during the remainder of the campaign. Brighton will want to make sure they do not allow an important asset to reach the end of his contract without reaching a decision.
Verdict: Keep if form and fitness hold up. This is a decision that could become clearer as the season progresses, but Brighton will certainly not want to lose a player of Mitoma’s quality for nothing.
Promise David – Striker
Promise David is another intriguing case, although his situation is slightly different from the other players on this list.
The Canadian international joined Brighton on a season-long loan from Belgian club Union SG. Brighton are reportedly understood to have an option to make the transfer permanent next June for a fee of around £20 million.
David has not yet established himself as a regular starter for the Seagulls. His opportunities have largely come through appearances from the bench, meaning there is still plenty of time for him to demonstrate what he can bring to the team.
The striker offers Brighton a different attacking profile and could provide an alternative option when the team needs to change its approach.
His performances between now and the end of the season will therefore be crucial. Brighton will have to decide whether what they see is enough to justify committing a significant fee to a permanent transfer.
Verdict: Wait and see. David still has time to make his case. His performances over the remainder of his loan spell could ultimately determine whether Brighton decide to exercise their reported option.
Brighton’s summer decisions could shape the squad
With seven players facing important decisions, Brighton’s next few months could have a significant influence on the club’s squad planning.
Some players appear to have strong arguments for remaining at the Amex, while others may need to prove themselves or consider whether a move elsewhere would provide a better opportunity.
The club’s involvement in the Premier League, UEFA Conference League and domestic cups means squad depth will remain crucial. Brighton therefore have to balance experience, age, performances, fitness, development and financial considerations when deciding who stays and who moves on.
For now, there are no simple answers across the board. But as the season progresses, the performances of these seven players could go a long way towards determining what Brighton decide to do when the summer transfer window arrives.