Can Brighton take next step forward following excellent transfer window?
It has proven to be another excellent transfer window for Brighton, despite losing Alexis Mac Allister, Robert Sanchez and Moises Caicedo.
The new additions will hopefully ensure Roberto De Zerbi’s side can take another step forward on the pitch.
Here is a look at what is realistically achieved for the Seagulls in the 2023/24 campaign.
Top four finish the aim
After finishing sixth last season, the next goal for Brighton is to break into the top four. That is going to be a big challenge, as Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham all have that same goal.
Brighton finished nine points away from fourth place last season, so although it will be a tough target, it is achievable should results in the Premier League improve again.
BREAKING NEWS!
Ansu Fati signs for Brighton & Hove Albion on loan— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 1, 2023
Ansu Fati is one of the new Brighton players who can help take the team forward. He is very familiar with playing at the highest level for Barcelona in La Liga.
His loan move to the club was one of the biggest surprises of the summer transfer window. It also reflects how highly De Zerbi is regarded as the Spanish player claimed he has joined the club to play for the Italian manager.
Brighton are 2/1 in the online sports betting for a top-four finish this season. Those are great odds given the Seagulls have won three of their opening four games, with wins coming over Newcastle United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Luton Town.
European adventure
For the first time in their history, Brighton will play European football this season. They have qualified for the UEFA Europa League, entering the competition in the group stages. The Seagulls have been drawn into the same group as Ajax, AEK Athens and Marseille.
Midfielder James Milner is going to be an important player for Brighton in that competition. The Englishman has a lot of experience in Europe. He won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2020 and he also reached the final of the Europa League with the Merseyside club.
Although this will be their first attempt, De Zerbi will want to win the European competition this season. Along with Liverpool, Roma and Villarreal, they will be considered one of the strongest teams involved at this stage.
Goals flowing already
EVAN FERGUSON HAS HIS HAT-TRICK! pic.twitter.com/dZ3RJi53SJ
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) September 2, 2023
With 12 goals from their opening four Premier League games this season, Brighton are on course to better their return from the 2022/23 campaign (72 goals).
Evan Ferguson has scored four goals in that run of games, Solly March has found the back of the net three times, while new signing Joao Pedro is up and running for the campaign.
There is lots of competition in the squad for the forward positions in De Zebri’s team, which should prove healthy for the Brighton manager.
Pedro was his biggest signing of the season in terms of expenditure, and he will be hoping for the former Watford player can shine at his latest club.
Whatever happens this season, there is little doubt this is the most exciting era in Brighton’s history. Those who have been through the tough periods will appreciate just how far the club has come.
