Brighton & Hove Albion kicked off their pre‑season on July 3, 2026, as a wave of new signings and returning loanees gathered at the club’s Lancing training complex. The squad, overseen by head coach Fabian Hurzeler, began a series of fitness and medical assessments designed to sharpen the team for an intensive summer schedule.
Who arrived at Lancing and why?
Among the first faces were Pascal Struijk, fresh from a regular role at Leeds United last season, and Costinha, who featured for Olympiacos before his move. Both players joined the initial medical checks, signalling the club’s intent to integrate them quickly. The headline arrival was winger Zadok Yohanna, signed from AIK for a reported £21.5 million. Yohanna spent the past week completing the same tests and is already working on tactical drills, eager to justify his price tag.
Which players could be on the move again?
Diego Coppola, Amario Cozier‑Duberry and Facundo Buonanotte all reported back after loan spells, but rumours suggest they may head out again before the season starts. Returning loanees Tommy Watson and Eiran Cashin have been putting in extra hours at Lancing, hoping to earn a place in Hurzeler’s plans rather than face another temporary exit.
Who else is training with the group?
The training ground also hosted a mix of established first‑team members: Jack Hinshelwood, Georginio Rutter, Matt O'Riley, Danny Welbeck, Olivier Boscagli, Harry Howell, Igor Julio and Charalampos Kostoulas. Their presence adds experience and competition, pushing the newcomers to adapt faster. The blend of youth and seniority reflects Brighton’s strategy of blending fresh talent with proven performers.
What’s next for Brighton’s pre‑season?
After the Lancing phase, the club will travel to France in late July for a closed‑door training camp, featuring matches against Annecy and Strasbourg. The schedule then returns to the Amex Stadium for high‑profile fixtures against Roma and Bologna, serving as a final test before the Premier League and Conference League campaigns begin.
The early days at Lancing set the tone for a summer that promises both physical rigour and tactical refinement. With new signings already rolling their sleeves up, Brighton & Hove Albion appear ready to chase European qualification while navigating a busy fixture list.
Brighton & Hove Albion