Brighton winger Ibrahim Osman boosted his chances of earning a place in Fabian Hurzeler’s plans after an impressive display in Saturday’s 4-1 pre-season victory over Wycombe Wanderers.
Greek striker Charalampos Kostoulas scored twice, while Osman and Georginio Rutter also found the net as the Seagulls comfortably defeated the League One side at their Lancing training base.
Osman grabbed the standout moment of the first half with a spectacular overhead kick, continuing to strengthen his case ahead of Brighton’s upcoming pre-season training camp in France.
The 21-year-old Ghana international joined Brighton from FC Nordsjælland in 2024 in a deal worth around £16 million. Since then, he has spent time on loan with Feyenoord, Auxerre and Birmingham City, but is still waiting to make his competitive first-team debut for the Seagulls. He remains under contract until June 2029.
The new season could present Osman with a genuine opportunity to establish himself, particularly on the left wing, where he is most effective despite featuring on the right against Wycombe.
Brighton may need additional options in that position as Kaoru Mitoma continues his recovery from a hamstring injury and is not expected to be fully fit for the start of the Premier League campaign. Mitoma’s preparations have also been affected after he was involved in a road traffic incident in Tokyo earlier this month, with local authorities still investigating the accident involving a cyclist.
With Brighton preparing for the demands of both the Premier League and UEFA Conference League, squad depth on the flanks will be crucial.
Summer signing Tommy Watson featured against Wycombe but is widely expected to head out on loan again, while Diego Gomez and Maxim De Cuyper are capable of filling in on the left. However, an in-form Osman could provide Hurzeler with a dynamic and natural option in that role.
Osman also brings valuable European experience after featuring in the Champions League during his loan spell at Feyenoord. He further demonstrated his pace, athleticism and attacking threat during his time with Birmingham City in the Championship.
Having arrived as part of Brighton’s major recruitment drive in 2024, Osman has largely stayed out of the spotlight. However, if his pre-season form continues, the Ghanaian could finally be set for a breakthrough campaign and emerge as a key alternative to Mitoma, particularly during the opening months of the season.
